Not requiring Athlete contracts- normal?

[240 is Back]

Ron Q: Do you have them sign contracts?

Shawn A: No, I didn't have them sign a binding contract. I have written and verbal agreements, but again, this is a situation that I take a bodybuilder at his word. If they want to compete, they compete - if they don't, someone else is going to take their place. I think, on a first time intermin basis - that leniency is in place, because I want the contest to be open to whoever wants to jump on it at the last minute, or whoever wants to jump out at the last minute - that is not for me to decide.
This isn't flaming, I'm honestly curious.  What is the standard practice for this with pro BBing events?  In most aspects of life, if you're spending $ on advertising and selling tickets, you have the performers sign a binding contract to ensure that anyone shows up.  If the weather is bad or political winds shift, a dozen men could pull out with NO legal recourse.  Shawn, you're at a great deal of risk. 

So I'm just curious- is this normal in a pro BBing contest, not to require contracts?

[VGalanti]

Ron Q: Do you have them sign contracts?

Shawn A: No, I didn't have them sign a binding contract. I have written and verbal agreements, but again, this is a situation that I take a bodybuilder at his word. If they want to compete, they compete - if they don't, someone else is going to take their place. I think, on a first time intermin basis - that leniency is in place, because I want the contest to be open to whoever wants to jump on it at the last minute, or whoever wants to jump out at the last minute - that is not for me to decide.
This isn't flaming, I'm honestly curious.  What is the standard practice for this with pro BBing events?  In most aspects of life, if you're spending $ on advertising and selling tickets, you have the performers sign a binding contract to ensure that anyone shows up.  If the weather is bad or political winds shift, a dozen men could pull out with NO legal recourse.  Shawn, you're at a great deal of risk. 

So I'm just curious- is this normal in a pro BBing contest, not to require contracts?

Shawn is not at a great deal of risk, you can call him many things...stupid is not one.
The guys who say they will compete...will -

With Shawns rep, and being so outspoken with what he is doing, the competitors believe in him.
It's Shawns time to give back to what he loves, and with saying that....he will have a good turnout all around.

By having the show in Colorado, and not California...shows he is not lazy and the guys should expect a well run event.

[jwb]

Ron Q: Do you have them sign contracts?

Shawn A: No, I didn't have them sign a binding contract. I have written and verbal agreements, but again, this is a situation that I take a bodybuilder at his word. If they want to compete, they compete - if they don't, someone else is going to take their place. I think, on a first time intermin basis - that leniency is in place, because I want the contest to be open to whoever wants to jump on it at the last minute, or whoever wants to jump out at the last minute - that is not for me to decide.
This isn't flaming, I'm honestly curious.  What is the standard practice for this with pro BBing events?  In most aspects of life, if you're spending $ on advertising and selling tickets, you have the performers sign a binding contract to ensure that anyone shows up.  If the weather is bad or political winds shift, a dozen men could pull out with NO legal recourse.  Shawn, you're at a great deal of risk. 

So I'm just curious- is this normal in a pro BBing contest, not to require contracts?

Let's face it even if there were contracts would they ever be enforced? highly unlikely...

[Shawn Ray]

A Contract is only as good as your word.
The only legit excuse for a competitor to withdraw after comitting to compete is Medical.
Why would I hold a gun to a competitor's head if they chose to opt out after further consideration?
The professionals will be Professional, I have no doubt as is the case with Most of the IFBB Pro's trying to Qualify for the Mr. O, make a living,represent their respective sponsors and please their fans.
Some of you wont ever understand that, which is why I dont have to go after the Athletes, being a former Pro I understand like them, the need to compete and commit to a show.
It's what we do as professionals.
Peace,
S. Ray

[onlyme]

Don't the competitors for the Olympia sign a contract.  I'm not sure, do they?

[kmhphoto]

Don't the competitors for the Olympia sign a contract.  I'm not sure, do they?

Yes.
I'm pretty sure the Arnold's is the same.

[Tre]

I talked with a guy who never created, or had people sign contracts.

He said it was a good practice because a contract would expose his long-term plan (via the nature of "full disclosure" in contracts). And no one, but the most ignorant or nieve would sign.

Or, if he jimmed the contract, once he reneged, the contract would protect the other party and they could go after him.

Before stepping onstage, performers will still be required to sign a waiver. 

[Disgusted]

A Contract is only as good as your word.
Peace,
S. Ray

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA  That's a good one.

[Chick]

Whether or not a contract is required is soley up to the promoter. As Shawn said...those who want to compete, will do so.

In the matter of the Olympia, the promoter has (and always will) require a contract and a deadline. Both protect the promoter, and help in promoting the contest to the fans via advertising.

As we've seen even here...Shawn has taken flack because of a rotating line-up, due to guys dropping out, and deciding to enter for various reasons....none of this is the fault of the promoter.

I believe there should be a contract, and a cutoff date for it to be signed. This is good for the Pro athlete as well as the promoter. Athletes can't complain about money/ purse increases when they fail to help in the promotion of the show...or decide last minute to jump in the show. Some guys will simply wait and see what kind of condition they are in, and THEN decide whether to compete or not.

If a promoter has a contracted line-up, lets say no less than 8 weeks out of the contest date...he can advertise to the fans, and use every available rescorce to appeal to the fans to buy a ticket. This heelps the promoter, the athlete, and the fans.