A professional sports person’s career can be short. Depending on the sport played, many players are retired by the time they reach their early 30’s. Throughout their sporting career, it is all these players have known; with little or no regard for their “life after sport”.  

Christian Edwards, Partner and Sports Law expert at JCP Solicitors, discusses what every professional sports person should be aware of, including the moral responsibilities placed on clubs and associations in nurturing and educating young sports stars:

Most professional sports players start their sporting career at a young age. Some are even child prodigies. The result is that inevitably there is an interruption in the player’s general education so much so that many players retire from their sport without any qualifications to fall back on. Whilst that can of course be corrected by re-education following retirement, there are many things that players and clubs/associations are putting in place as part of the player development process.

From a player’s perspective, he or she will want to consider what they will do after sport. From a club’s perspective it is important that they view their players, not with a “shelf life” but to look at the benefits even retired players can bring to the ongoing and continued success of the club. For example, retired players can sometimes be the best ambassadors for the club; having “been there and done it”. Their contacts in the sport may be established and their reputations such that young aspiring players look up to them, respect their opinions and in some cases treat them as trusted advisers. This can then lead to the club attracting the best young talent. In short, player development both short term and long term should be seen as a mutual obligation.  It is my opinion that the following points should be incorporated into any development programme:

• Financial planning - Given the obvious riches on offer (at least in some sports) to young players, it is critical that these players arrange their financial affairs as early as they can. Early consideration should be given to preparing a Will with a solicitor. Players should consider retaining a financial adviser or accountant to assist and even should consider potential tax implications.
• Clubs could be providing the “total package” to players with access to professionals such as solicitors, accountants and financial advisers as part of the player’s contract. This should extend to asset/investment advice in helping to build an investment portfolio for life after sport.
• Insurance –Does the player’s contract adequately provide cover and in what circumstances? Players need to be alert that his or her career may be brought to an early and abrupt end due to injury.  From a club’s perspective, most will ensure that in such circumstances, insurance is adequate to cover for the time and money spent on the player’s development. 
• Education-With many players moving into media roles following retirement, a sound education is critical. In any event, a club would normally provide some form of media training given the demands on players to give interviews. Not only should this include training as to how to deal with the media but should also include education as to responsibilities in relation to social media.
• Special training – Perhaps with a view to obtaining coaching qualifications or becoming a licensed player’s agent.  Again a club can see a mutual benefit in appointing coaches from within and therefore retaining continuity.

In summary many people see a sports professional’s career being just on the sporting field, but it goes much further and the player development that goes on in many large sporting organisations is testimony to that.

Wishing you future success in your sporting endeavors!

For more information and an informal discussion please contact Partner and expert in this area of the law, Christian Edwards on 01792 773 773, email christian.edwards@jcpsolicitors.co.ukor visit www.jcp-sports-law.co.uk