Player Contract Checklist

📝 Contract Terms & Compensation

• Base Salary – Confirm the currency, payment schedule, and method of payment.
• Bonuses & Incentives – Confirm performance bonuses, signing bonuses, playoff bonuses, and any other bonuses, along with payment schedule, and method of payment.
• Late Payment Penalties – Clarify what happens if the team delays payments or holds back payment.
• Per Diems & Stipends – Clarify if you receive daily meal money on road trips or during training camps.
• Performance Benchmarks – Understand any performance-related clauses affecting salary or incentives.
• Holiday Pay - Look for any clauses on public holiday pay or working hours. Some contracts explicitly mention holiday pay or state that salaries are fixed regardless of holidays.
• Living Allowances – Understand what is covered by the team, food on road trips, transportation, gas, or miscellaneous expenses. Refer to team reviews to get a sense of what is typically included as part of team benefits.
• Contract Currency Protections – If paid in a foreign currency, clarify if your salary adjusts based on exchange rates.
• Fines & Penalties – Understand any consequences of missing practices, games, or violating team policies?

📄 Termination & Release Clauses

• Contract Length – Verify the start and end dates.
• Early Termination Clauses – Understand under what conditions the team can release you.
• Buyout Provisions – If leaving early, know the financial consequences. Ensure there is a buyout clause provisioning you to money owed and if the team is breaking the contract, a fair buyout option.
• Injury Protection – Confirm what happens if you're injured—are you still paid?
• Dispute Resolution – Understand who governs contract disputes.
• Suspensions & Conduct Clauses – Understand what actions could lead to suspension or fines.
• Guaranteed Contracts – Ensure you understand if the contract is fully guaranteed or if the team can terminate it without cause.
• Relocation Compensation – If terminated mid-season, confirm if the team covers relocation expenses.

🤝 Benefits & Support

• Housing Arrangements – Is housing provided or subsidized?
• Travel & Flights – Are flights covered? How many per season (start/end, holidays)?
• Health Insurance – Verify coverage details—does it include injury-related medical expenses? Otherwise, consider additional insurances to protect yourself.
• Extra Baggage – Understand if you are reimbursed for additional baggage at the airport or if this is out of your pocket. This can add up quickly so be mindful.
• Work Visa & Residency Permit – Ensure the team assists with visa applications and fees associated with visa permits. Understand if the team also supports partner visa applications and fees or if that falls to the individual.
• Language Support – Is translation assistance provided for team matters? Understand if there is a dedicated contact for the team who assists in getting you set up locally.
• Family & Dependents Support – If relocating with a spouse, family with kids, check for assistance in getting set up with a local doctor, and school enrolment. (Schools in Europe can fill up quickly so it’s best to act fast.)
• Work Eligibility – Check if a work permit is needed for a spouse/partner to work abroad.
• Medical & Rehabilitation Support – Does the team provide access to medical professionals for injury recovery?
• Mental Health Resources – Check if the team offers support for mental health and well-being.

🏒 Playing Conditions & Expectations

• Ice Time & Role – Clarify expected role on the team and any performance expectations.
• Training & Facilities – Check practice schedules, gym access, and rehab support.
• Equipment & Gear – Does the team provide full gear, or are certain items player-supplied?
• Strength & Conditioning Program – Understand the in season training schedule.
• Game Bonuses & Playoff Shares – Some leagues provide extra compensation for wins or playoff rounds. Make sure this is stipulated in your contract.

💰 Taxes & Financial Considerations

• Local Taxation Rules – Will your salary be taxed in the country, and at what rate? Is it tax free? If tax free, what EXACTLY does that mean to the team vs your expectations. There are scenarios where teams are not fully transparent. Consult our team reviews for detailed information on team salaries.
• Double Taxation Agreements – Check if your home country has a tax treaty with the new country if applicable.
• Banking & Payments – Set up a local bank account if necessary; confirm wire transfer fees. *This affects sending money home at the end of the year.
• Social Security Contributions – Some countries require contributions to social security that could impact take-home pay. *Typically, only required if you become a resident in that country. For 99% of players who are on temporary work visas, this is not applicable.

🛡️ Legal & Agent Support

• Contract Language – Ensure the contract is available in English or another language you understand.
• Legal Review – Have a lawyer review the contract before signing. *Seek a lawyer in the country you’re moving to or a lawyer with overseas experience. This ensures a total line of sight and reduces any surprises during the playing contract.
• Agent's Role – If using an agent, confirm their responsibilities and commission structure. Understand if you can have multiple agents representing you in multiple countries.
• Representation Rights – Confirm if your agent has exclusive negotiation rights in the league.
• Agent Agreement - Is there an auto-renewal clause in your agent agreement and if so what does it stipulate. Under what circumstances will you have to pay your agent?
• Agent Agreement Termination - What is the termination language in your agent agreement. How many days do you have to serve notice?

🌍 Lifestyle & Relocation Considerations

• Bringing your dog? – Learn about how to do this hassle free in each country leveraging our partner, Doodle Passport. They can help discuss the best options for you based on the size and breed of your dog.
• City & Living Conditions – Research the local lifestyle, climate, and cost of living.
• Culture & Language Barrier – Consider how easy integration will be.
• Transportation – Will you need a car? Is public transport available?
• Team & League Reputation – Read reviews on Hockey Contracts for both team and leagues. Consult our player community if you have direct questions for other players.
• Mobile Phone & Internet – Confirm how easy it is to set up a local number and data plan.
• Food & Dietary Needs – If you have specific dietary restrictions, check availability in the new country.
• Safety & Crime Rate – Research safety conditions in the team’s city.
• Entertainment & Social Life – Consider what recreational activities are available. This helps partners integrate into the new location.
• Community Engagement Opportunities – Some teams have outreach programs you may be expected to participate in.

💡 Final Tips

• Never sign a contract without reviewing all terms. Have a local lawyer review all terms to ensure total protection that coincides with local employment laws.
• Get everything in writing; verbal promises mean nothing.
• Keep written copies of all communications regarding your contract.
• Read reviews for insight into the team's operations.
• Plan financially for the transition period between contracts.

This checklist ensures that you cover all necessary aspects before committing to an overseas hockey contract.

Have questions or want us to review a contract? Get in touch with us