Dues!?! Doctors orders Out entire season

Doctor ordered DD no practice or games entire season. DD didn't play one game. Doctors, surgery, pt, and soccer dues?! Doesn't seem right.

When did DD sign with club - July 1?

if you signed a contract good luck getting sympathy from the club.

Did she get injured shortly after signing and that's why she never played a game?

I know a coach who gave a select player with a season-ending injury a medical release last fall.

Probably rare, but it does happen.

She got hurt in May, thought it was just a tweak or a strain.  The doctor said to take 6 weeks and let it rest.  Signed during the rest period.  It never improved, waited another month, getting worse - got an MRI, showed nothing.  Tried PT, but gave up in November and got it scoped.  Found and repaired a torn meniscus.  In January working to get back in shape, injured the other leg.  MRI and XRAYS negative, probably just a high ankle sprain, but not 100% sure maybe a slight fracture of the growth plate.  Back to waiting and seeing if it heals, and when it does, how long to go from 6 months on the shelf to game shape?  I have to believe some or all of Spring lost.  Never played in a game for the team or attended a regular practice after the season started.  My husband says it isn't the club, that any club we signed with would be on us for dues, but it just seems sorry to me, bugging someone for money that hasn't received any service from the club.  

It's unlikely that you'll get any relief from the club this year, but it wouldn't hurt to ask.  The budget was formed with the expectation that your dd would be playing (and paying) this year.

What I've seen happen, and I've actually done with teams I managed, is negotiate with the team or club about dues for next year, since you may receive little or no value this year.  I've actually seen all costs (except uniforms, etc.) credited for the next year. If you get no help, then you have a decision to make about next year.

A secret... You don't have to sign in July to play select. Sure the clubs want it all as early as possible but if your DD is good, she can sign later if there is any reason to doubt playability.

Reminds me of the Columbia House CD deal

Bought 1 CD and got 9 free but didn't read the fine print so I continued to get more CD's and paid way more than I originally planned.

Just didn't seem right.

sideliner wrote:My husband says it isn't the club, that any club we signed with would be on us for dues, but it just seems sorry to me, bugging someone for money that hasn't received any service from the club.

Harsh reminder that at the end of the day, this is a business first and the girls come second. I've seen this go both ways. Interestingly enough, the stories I've heard go big name clubs requiring full payment with smaller/independent clubs releasing the player from financial obligation. Not saying that's the rule, but just my experiences with what I've heard.

I know of a girl who had this same situation. Hurt in practice just days after signing. Injury required surgery and a year of rehab. No practices, no games, nothing for the entire length of the contract. Dues, uniforms, and gear all paid. The (big name) club offered no refund. My point is, you are not alone in your plight.

Just don't pay it. You will be done at the club but they have very little recourse

It's a business no doubt. Each club is different. Does not hurt to ask and plead your case. But don't be surprised if they hound you for it. Sorry to hear about your situation...good luck.

You better call Saul Goodman.

A medical release negotiation seems very fair for a legit injury like that. I wouldnt expect a full release of fees as I believe cost per player was dependent on the overall roster #. Without your fees, now the club is potentially short on budget since they counted you into the math. But fields, coaches fees...refund that stuff!

I would think a discussion with the coach and the club would go a long way in understanding where your daughter stands within the team.

Surely, there is another player they could have brought in to cover any costs associated with your daughter not being able to play.

If she is an integral part of the team then I hope they would work with you. If they don't view here in that way then it was time to look elsewhere anyways.

yellowcard5 wrote:I would think a discussion with the coach and the club would go a long way in understanding where your daughter stands within the team.  

Surely, there is another player they could have brought in to cover any costs associated with your daughter not being able to play.  

If she is an integral part of the team then I hope they would work with you.  If they don't view here in that way then it was time to look elsewhere anyways.

Would you want your dd to be the one that was signed just to "cover the costs of another player" that can't play?

I know that's not what you meant, but frankly, after the beginning of the soccer year when most teams have already been formed, there may not be many available players that fit the team's needs.  There have been many here that complain about players being signed solely for financial reasons (and rightfully so).  

IMHO, a team should never sign a player that doesn't fit into their plans just for financial reasons.

MustangGT wrote:A secret... You don't have to sign in July to play select. Sure the clubs want it all as early as possible but if your DD is good, she can sign later if there is any reason to doubt playability.

Not a secret, but surely a great idea especially in these situations. Many parents don't have the nerve NOT to be signed when everyone else is however.