Question 3

Gerry is 15 years of age, and he is not doing well at school, partly because he is very short, but mostly because he is not interested in the studies he has at school. An opportunity has arisen for Gerry to train as a jockey at a local trainer's property, and his family, the school and Gerry himself agree this is a great chance to do something productive.

The trainer will require Gerry to commit to training and instruction for three years, during which time Gerry must be at training 4 am each morning, six days a week, with exercise sessions in the afternoon. Gerry will receive $500 per week, holiday benefits and medical insurance.

Gerry is very good at riding and is becoming well known around the tracks, so after a year he wants to be released from his current contract and to work for a bigger trainer, at more pay. Gerry needs some more money, since he now owes a lot of money at the local men's wear shop where he buys expensive suits and leisure wear to be worn during his days off. Gerry also owes significant amounts of money for the riding gear he used during training, gear that wears out very quickly.

Given that Gerry is very young, is he bound by the training contract he originally signed, and what of the contracts, and amounts he owes to the suppliers of his clothes and work gear?