Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in United Kingdom

Hand Written Contracts Binding?

I became the manager of a small school football team, and got all my playes to sign a hand written contract stating that they would stay with the team until at least July 2004. At the time of writing it is June, and one of my players has decided to quit, immediately. When I asked about the contract, he stated that it wasnt his real signature, so I could do nothing. I would like to know if this is true, and I cant do anything, or whether the fact that me and other witnesses saw him sign it affects the situation at all?

Also can I take any action on him if I can prove HE signed it?

Thankyou For your time.

Yours Faithfully,

Mr--name removed--Co


Asked on 6/15/04, 12:36 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward Lestrade Slovkonsult Law & Consulting

Re: Hand Written Contracts Binding?

A contract needs to have 'an intention to create legal relations' and as this is a school football team, I am wondering whether the 'contract' you got signed may have been an informal statement of intention between you and the players. Again, I presume the players are juveniles which could mitigate against 'intention'. Secondly, we need to look at whether there was 'consideration' for his agreement to play (the aspect of a bargain - money, or money's worth for his services) which is fundamental to an enforceable contract. Furthermore, we need to look at the contract terms which need to be 'certain' - clear statements of obligations between the parties.

If there is an enforceable contract in existence, which is doubtful, on the basis that the 3 requirements above have been satisfied, if you saw him sign the document and others did as well, then his signature would be valid.

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Answered on 6/15/04, 6:02 pm


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