On employment of athletes and trainers

14.12.2015

Plenum of the Supreme Court of Russian Federation has clarified the specifics with regards to the  entering into labor agreements  with athletes and trainers, and in addition has reviewed the characteristics of employment agreements with them. Among the major issues, it is necessary to note the following:

- The term for which an employment agreement is valid. Labor agreements with athletes and  trainers may be entered into for an indefinite term or for a fixed term, but the term must not exceed more than 5 years. Entering into a fixed-term employment agreement with an athlete is justified if it is entered into with the voluntary consent of the employee and employer. Entering into a fixed-term employment agreement with a trainer is also permitted by mutual agreement.

The information which the labor agreement must contain is as follows:

- The full name of the employee and employer, workplace, date on which the employment agreement is concluded and its term, the labor function of the employee, the date employment commences and others. As well as the obligations of the employer to ensure the organization of training activities and the participation of an athlete in sports competitions under the direction of the trainer or trainers and the obligation to comply with the athletic regime established by the employer, and to carry out plans in preparation of sporting events;

- The duty of an athlete to participate in sports competitions only as directed by the employer and others.

- Additional provisions. Labor agreements with these employees are permitted to include the terms of civil law, for example, it can be provided that the employer transfers the ownership of an apartment or the athlete authorizes the employer to use his image and others.

These rules are fixed by the Resolution of the Plenum of the RF №52, dated from 24th of November, 2015.