Your First Contract Checklist

Signing your first contract to play American football in Europe is a very exciting time. It also can be very confusing and stressful. Here are some important items you should discuss with your team and have included in the deal.

Be sure to discuss with the team's administrators everything on this list and any other questions you may have.

Do not sign a contract until you are sure everything has been addressed.

VISA/PASSPORT

• Every player will require a passport to travel overseas.
• Depending on the country you may also need a Visa (work permit). Check with your local State Department to determine your specific requirements.
• You'll need to verify the day you will arrive in the country and when you will depart to secure a visa.

TRANSPORTATION

• Ask for the details of your airfare (roundtrip air should be provided). Also, you should never be asked to pay for your own airfare. 
• The team you sign with should send you the refundable airline tickets either via mail or electronically. Verify the tickets through the airline.
• Who will pick you up from the airport and deliver you to your residence/team facility? Ask for the itinerary for the day you arrive.
• Once in the country, is transportation provided? If so, what mode of transport (bike, rail, bus pass, car, etc.)?
• Ask for more details on the mode of transport, especially if it is a car. Will insurance be provided? Can you use it for personal trips? Will you receive a gas allowance? 

SALARY

• How much will you be paid 
• What currency will you be paid in (be sure to convert to dollars so you know how much you'll receive)
• How frequently will you be paid (weekly, monthly, per game, per season)
• What days will you be paid (be sure it's recorded on your calendar)
• What are the stipulations of that payment? Will you be required to work a part-time job (usually with the youth program) and if so, what are the requirements (duties, days per week, hours, etc.)?
• Will you receive a bonus? If so, how much and what must you do to receive that bonus?

HOUSING

• Is housing provided?
• What is the address of the house/apartment?
• Will you have your own room? Bathroom? 
• How many people will you share the residence with and who are they?
• Is internet access provided?
• What utilities will be provided and what must you cover, if anything?
• Request pictures

TRAINING FACILITIES

• What is the address of the team headquarters and/or training facility?
• Ask for written directions from your residence to the facility.
• Do the faclities include a gym? If so, how frequently can you access the facility? Is there a fee?
• If no gym is available at the team headquarters, ask if a gym membership is provided.

EQUIPMENT/TEAM GEAR

• Uniforms and training gear should be provided
• Ask what other equipment or gear you may need to furnish on your own

INSURANCE/MEDICAL CARE

• Is there a trainer and/or doctor affiliated with the team? 
• Will you be provided with medical insurance to deal with injuries and illnesses? If so, require a copy of the insurance with the start and end dates and any affiliated personal costs.
• What will the insurance cover?
• Is dental/vision included?

FOOD

• Are meals provided? If so, which ones and what is included?
• If meals are to be paid for by the team, how are you reimbursed?
• If the team provides cash for meals, how much and when will you receive that subsidy?

EXTRAS

• Will the team provide a cell phone or cell phone plan while you are in country? Ask for specifics on minutes provided or international calling details.
• Check with your mobile phone carrier here in the U.S. about mobile calling and texting or if you need a separate SIM card.
• Are there any other duties, aside from a part-time job, that might be required of you? 

The above list includes the general items each player should discuss with a potential team. It is not a complete list. Be sure to ask as many questions you need to become comfortable with the deal you sign.

Good luck!