Employment contracts in football can be complicated and difficult to understand, whether your a football player of staff member.
Are you confused by legal jargon? Want to be sure you are fully informed before you accept a job offer? This is our easy guide to employment contracts, and what your rights are.
What is the purpose of a contract?
Your employment contract is basically an agreement between yourself and your boss. It outlines what's expected (your duties, and responsibilities) and what you can expect in return (your rights and salary, with the occasional work benefit).
What are the terms of a contract?
Your boss must provide you with a written explanation of your contract within two months of your employment. However, the details of the contract (often called terms) can also be provided:
- Verbally
- A written contract or statement
- A company notice board or employee handbook.
- In your offer letter
You agree to the terms of employment as soon as you start work for the company. Make sure you read them thoroughly before you start your first day.
The contract is not something to take lightly. It is legally binding for you and your boss until your employment ends, or terms are modified. Either party
can claim damages from the other for breach of contract if terms have been violated.
What are implied terms?
Although implied terms will not be written, they are still part of your contract. They can be established by custom and practice, or they may be obvious or necessary. Take the implied "duty to mutual trust and confidence", which is an agreement between you and your employer that you will be honest and respectful.
What is a flexibility clause?
You thought you knew everything about contracts when the employer adds a flexibility clause.
Flexibility clauses allow your boss to modify certain terms in your contract, such as shift patterns or work location. Some clauses may be vague to allow the employer greater flexibility. Before you agree to the terms, make sure you fully understand them.
Can a contract ever be changed?
You or your employer may change your contract. For example, your employer may want to alter your working hours and you might want better wages. The contract cannot be changed unless there is a mutual understanding between you and your employer or negotiated by your employer.
Even though changes do not have to be made in writing, it is a good idea for your employer to have official documentation in case of an emergency. Your employer must provide a copy within one month of changing any terms in your original written statement.
What should I do if my contract isn't working?
Contract problems are not common, but they can happen. If you have any questions, your first port-of-call should be to management or a line manager.
If your manager is not cooperative and doesn't assist to understand the problem, HR or a associations like www.thepfa.com can help.
Can Jobs4football Help
This is a basic outline of contracts. In football, there are many different types of contracts like non-league footballers playing non-contract and terms can be different from country to country.
Jobs4football have experience in placing players and staff all over the world and our
career mentor package can help in these areas.
