A misinterpreted social media post may lead to a sports disciplinary procedure or may result in an unexpected exclusion. This may ruin the career of the sportsman as well as of those working with him/her. These procedures may seem to be trivial in the beginning but may have serious consequences. Clear head and full professionalism are needed to participate in disciplinary matters or legal proceedings. A legal representative is essential for a professional and calm procedural presence.

The person subject to a procedure is hardly protected by the rules. Cases often cause controversy even outside the association or sport sector. The outcome of the case may be an adverse decision regardless of the sportsman’s intention.

Some believe in the wording of template-contracts available on the internet. They often become our clients since a clumsily worded contract may have unforeseen consequences. Contracting is more than writing and signing a document. The exact goals and contractual milestones should be agreed upon and included in the text. The sportman’s interest should be in line with the ideas of the club or the association as well as with the sponsor’s provisions. The rate of compensation should be ensured: who pays and when, to whom and why.

A lawyer experienced in sport is not necessary for a stylish contractual text but to represent the sportsman’s interest and to include the sportman’s responsibilities in the text. Sometimes these interests are unknown even to the sportsman.

In most cases, sportsmen receive ready-made draft contracts. In these documents only the expectations of the other party are accurate. Even a professional needs time to evaluate the expectations and their compensations that are stipulated in these legal texts. It is difficult to find the balance in what is worth allowing and where to establish the boundaries.

We often find that what has been agreed verbally do not match with what is included in the contract. It is significant to eliminate such inconsistencies. Another difficulty may arise when the sportman’s living and career depend on signing the contract or on its refusal. In such circumstances the sportsman may find it difficult to stand up for his/her own interests. At this point, common sense is no longer enough, routine and proficiency gained in sport sector are essential. Accuracy and judgement of an external expert are needed.