2009 AFLPA Retired & Delistement Guide

Transition Programs & Services

Available to Retiring & Delisted AFLPA Members

AFL Players’ Association Transition Services Guide 2009 1

Contents Introduction 2

Recognising What You Have Achieved 3 Transferable Skills

Personal Support Services 4

The Delisting Process 5 Your Club’s Obligations

Your Exit Medical

Medical - Health Insurance 6

Career Development 7-8 Education Advice/Career Counselling Education Support Program Job Preparation Skills Education & Training Grants University Contact Details

IT & Professional Development

Work 9-10 Next Goal Program Apprenticeships Employment Opportunities

AFLPA Workshops & Short Courses 11-12 Level Two Coaching Course

Investing Property

Small Business

Finance 13-14 Player Retirement Account Financial Health Check Superannuation

www.aflpa.com.au 15

NAB AFL Draft 16

Madden Medal Lunch 17

AFLPA Past Player Membership 18

Appendix A 19 The Delisting Process: Your Club’s Obligations


The AFLPA and Retired & Delisted Players Professional football has changed incredibly over recent years and continues to evolve at a rapid rate. It’s easy to become consumed by the game and forget that there is indeed life after big time footy.

One of the key goals of the AFL Players’ Association’s (AFLPA) Player Development team is to provide real and valuable assistance to its members during the transition period. Our aim is to help players use the knowledge and skills developed throughout their football career, and combine this with a tailored, comprehensive program as described in the following pages. The refinement of such support mechanisms mean players have access to assistance far better than that offered to players of previous eras.

Established for its members, it is important to remember that the AFLPA provides programs, benefits and services that have been specifically designed for them. Making the time to understand just what is available and how to utilise these will be advantageous for all players, past and present.

Past Player Membership of the AFLPA entitles the former players to some lifetime benefits, while the key Player Development Services are available for three years post a formerly Senior Listed AFL Player’s final season.

While exiting the AFL system will present a number of challenges the potential opportunities are vast. For many past players it will be time to make personal development a priority and to set themselves up for the next stage of their career, in whatever field that may be.

AFLPA Contact Following official notification of the retirement or delisting from the AFL Club an AFLPA representative will make contact with the exiting AFL player. Mark Porter, the AFLPA’s Transition Services Manager or Claire Mitchell-Taverner, the AFLPA’s Career Development Manager is likely to make this initial phone call. They will explain how to take advantage of the programs and services the AFLPA offers and will be accessible to guide the exiting player with future choices.

Mark Porter –Transition Services Manager W: (03) 9926 1351 E: [email protected] Claire Mitchell-Taverner – Career Development Manager W: (03) 9926 1349 E: [email protected]

Indigenous Support The AFLPA’s Indigenous Programs Manager, Cory McGrath, is a dedicated support contact for players of Aboriginal and/or Torres Straight Islander decent. Former players who are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Straight Islander decent may choose to meet with Cory to discuss their future plans and how the AFLPA can help. Cory McGrath – Indigenous Programs Manager W: (03) 9926 1354 E: [email protected]


Recognise what you have achieved Up to 1500 players nominate for the AFL national draft each year. Approximately 75 new players are drafted into the AFL each year. This figure equates to around 5% of those nominating for the draft. Once drafted the competitiveness of the industry, together with the physical and emotional stresses upon players during the course of their careers has meant that the average time a player is listed with a club in the modern era is now quite short. In recent times approximately 120 players have left the AFL system via retirement and delistment each year. As a player leaving the AFL system, it is important to acknowledge what you have actually achieved, to be selected and a part of what is a highly competitive environment. The understanding gained regarding the “keys” to reaching an elite level in sport can be equally important to a successful transition into the next career undertaken.

Transferable Skills To be an elite performer in various career paths post football may require a similar commitment and focus to what AFL players demonstrate throughout their playing career. One thing most highly successful people have in common is their ability to identify personal and professional goals, and action plans that motivate them to achieve these goals.

Many AFL footballers develop some fantastic skills that are transferrable to any workplace. These may include: Discipline Communication skills Working in groups and teams Short-term and long-term goal setting Teamwork skills Leadership skills Ability to work under extreme pressure Commitment to achieving goals Time management skills Organisational skills

These skills that AFL footballers possess are significant; they are applicable to many professions, not just football. It is important that exiting AFL players have much to offer and much to contribute to their next career.

“I found that there were a range of skills that I had developed as an AFL footballer that were transferable into the business world”.

Kasey Green

West Coast 2000-05, Kangaroos 2006-07


Personal Support services during Career Transition For a number of reasons, the end of your AFL football career can be an emotional rollercoaster. There is a lot to take in and process, including what the experience of leaving has been like, feelings about the future, concerns about telling people about the departure, and about leaving the often close-knit environment of the football club. It is often helpful for exiting players to chat, in confidence, with an AFLPA psychologist about how they are coping with the adjustment and your thoughts, feelings and behaviours during the experience. The AFLPA has consultants across the country to service the needs of its national membership. The psychology services are confidential, with consultations conducted in private, at a time that suits the former player and at no cost outside the membership of the AFLPA. Psychological support services will remain available to you for three years after AFLPA members leave the game. AFLPA Members that have exited the game more than three years ago can still access these professionals at the appropriate rates. AFLPA contact: Matti Clements - Psychology Services Manager W: (03) 9926 1344 E: [email protected]


The Delisting Process: Your Club’s Obligations Under the 2007 – 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), clubs are required to follow an outlined procedure when delisting a player. This procedure can be found in Appendix A of this booklet.

Exit Medical Under the CBA, a Club is required to arrange, at the Club’s expense, for an exit medical examination to be conducted for a player who has been delisted. The Player and the Club are required to mutually agree upon the doctor who is to conduct the medical examination. The medical examination should be as comprehensive as possible in the circumstances. The medical report should identify all further medical treatment including rehabilitation and surgery that may be required as a result of injuries suffered by the player in the course of the player’s employment as an AFL footballer with the Club. The Club is required to forward a copy of the report to the player. Who conducts the exit medical? The exit medical is to be conducted by a doctor to be mutually agreed upon by the Player and the AFL Club. Therefore a Player does not have to agree to the Club Doctor conducting the exit medical. A Player could use his own doctor to conduct the exit medical provided the AFL Club agrees. The AFLPA does not maintain a recommended list of doctors for termination medicals. Why is there a need to have an exit medical? Under the CBA it is the responsibility of your AFL Club to pay for any out-of-pocket medical expenses you may incur in the course of receiving treatment or undergoing any medical procedures for injuries/conditions which have arisen out of your AFL football career. These are costs which are not covered by your health insurance (sometimes referred to as “gap expenses”). Players should undertake an exit medical examination to identify any injuries / medical conditions that:

the Player may have suffered during his football career; the Player is suffering from at the time of the examination; might require further treatment or assessment and what follow up action is required.

This obligation extends for a period of 12 months from delistment or ‘…such longer period as is reasonable and necessary to properly treat the injury…’ It is important that the follow up action/treatment required is clearly identified. Who will have access to the results of the exit medical? The Club and the Player should each receive a copy of the medical report which shall not be released to any other person (apart from the AFL’s insurer if required) without the Player’s written consent.


Medical - Health Insurance The AFLPA has entered into a partnership with Medibank Private to provide top level private health insurance for all AFLPA members during their playing career and for 12 months following their retirement or delisting. Once the period of free health cover is over, AFLPA Past Player Members can access a discounted premium with Medibank Private. The AFLPA will also pay the hospital excess component should a Past Player Member require hospitalisation. Family members are also able to take advantage of the discounted rates; however, the excess payment does not extend to them.

‘Australian Rules Football has always been a tough game which takes a heavy toll on the players’ bodies. I congratulate the AFLPA for arranging

this generous health cover solution for Past Players.’

David Parkin Past Player and Coach


Post Football Career Development

Unsure of what occupation to pursue; Career Planning Career counselling and planning sessions are available for AFLPA members who want to continue developing their career post football. By working with a Career Development consultant, the member can make informed career choices and develop a plan for his future.

Education Support Program The Education Support Program provides past players with confidential private assessment and tuition in the areas of literacy and numeracy. Some players may identify that they require support to enhance their further education and employment opportunities. This program will assist players in ‘up-skilling’ themselves in the relevant areas.

Job Preparation Tools As players implement their personal plans, some time should be spent identifying preferred job or career opportunities. With assistance from DRAKE Training the AFLPA can provide support in the following areas: Resume preparation Job search skills Interview skills Application follow up and review DRAKE contact: Erin Devlin – Senior Associate DRAKE International W: 03 9245 0415 E: [email protected] AFLPA contact: Claire Mitchell-Taverner – Career Development Manager W: (03) 9926 1349 E: [email protected]

‘At the end of the day football is fundamentally about people. Much of business also revolves around dealing with people, so those skills developed

during your football career can readily be brought across.’

Shane Parker Fremantle Dockers 1995-2007


Education and Training Grants Past players* may access the AFLPA Education & Training (E&T) grants for up to three years from their last playing year. For example a player retiring or delisted in 2009, may access the E&T grants in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Applications may be made three times per year; February, July and November. The exact dates, application form and grant criteria are available from www.aflpa.com.au * Past Rookies are eligible for one year only. AFLPA contact: Nadia Taib – Player Development Coordinator W: (03) 9926 1355 E: [email protected]

University Applications

STATE Web Site Phone Opening Date Closing Date Queensland

www.qtac.edu.au 1300 467 822 1st July 2009

South Australia

www.satac.edu.au 1300 138 440 10th August 2009

Victoria

www.vtac.edu.au 1300 364 133 3rd August 2009 (9am)

New South Wales & ACT

www.uac.edu.au (02) 9752 0200. Early August 2009

Western Australia

www.tisc.edu.au (08) 9318 8000 10th August 2009

30th September

2009*

*Late applications may be available, please confirm with the relevant institution

IT & Professional Development

DRAKE Training has a national network offering specialist tuition in computer applications and various forms of ‘professional development’ from human resource management to strategic business operations. To view the full range of training packages available log onto;

www.draketraining.com.au DRAKE Training contact: Michael Bokody – Client Services Manager W: (03) 9245 0321 E: [email protected]


WORK The Next Goal Career Transition Program The Next Goal Career Transition Program aims to enhance the post football employment prospects of AFL players, both past and present. The primary objective of the program is to increase the chances of a player making a successful career transition beyond their football career.

The Next Goal Program has been implemented for currently playing and recently retired or delisted members of the AFLPA who will be aligned with employers willing to provide work experience and training, in a field or discipline preferred by the player. This Program is flexible and designed to accommodate the needs of all parties involved. There are two types of work placements available: 10 days and 30 days. The frequency of hours worked each week is organised between the employer and player. This program is subsidised by the AFLPA and AFL SportsReady. The dates of application rounds, application form and grant criteria are available from www.aflpa.com.au AFLPA/AFL SportsReady contact: Rayden Tallis, Project Manager – Career Transition W: (03) 8663 3054 E: [email protected]

‘The Next Goal Program accelerated my learning and gave me valuable experience in a variety of areas. The placement helped me confirm that building design and construction

was a career path that I wanted to pursue.’

Adam Morgan Power 1999-2003 Bulldogs 2004-06

Adam Morgan completed a Next Goal 30 day placement with First Angle Design. He is now undertaking a Diploma in Building Design and working part time in the industry.


Apprenticeships In 2008 AFL SportsReady launched the Sporting Trade Skills Program. For the first time in the fully professional era of AFL football, elite footballers have been able to enrol as an apprentice and work towards obtaining trade qualifications. The Sporting Trade Skills Program also extends to past AFL players who are playing semi elite football in State leagues. The AFLPA may also be able to assist with employment contacts, and education grants for trade school and tools. AFL SportsReady contact: Carly Quinlan; Project Manager – Sporting Skills M: 0409 194 370 W: (03) 8663 3033 E: [email protected]

Employment Opportunities The AFLPA has established informal relationships with a number of recruitment agencies. These organisations may be helpful in finding you employment opportunities and for gaining a clearer understanding of specific industries. AFLPA contact: Mark Porter –Transition Services Manager W: (03) 9926 1351 E: [email protected] Another helpful resource may be www.aussierulesrecruiting.com.au This website gives clubs a forum to advertise employment opportunities they have for potential players. This may be helpful in getting you a start in a career that may not have otherwise been possible. The site is in its development phase, so is unlikely to be operating at its full potential. However, it may be useful for some players and is certainly a resource for those who are interested in continuing playing and/or coaching in the future.


AFLPA Workshops & Short Courses Level Two Coaching Course A joint initiative of the AFLPA and the AFL is the Level Two Coaching Course for experienced, retiring and recently retired players who wish to pursue a coaching career or test their interest in the field. This program is delivered annually. The next AFLPA/AFL Level Two Coaching Course will be held on Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th January, 2010 at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne. The course is a specialist Level Two program essentially geared towards those aspiring to AFL assistant coaching positions and includes the following content: Developing a coaching philosophy The role of the assistant coach Communication and instructing skills Coaching psychology Game-based skill coaching Game plans, strategies & tactics Physical preparation Media relations

AFLPA contact: Mark Porter –Transition Services Manager W: (03) 9926 1351 E: [email protected]

Investing Seminar More than half the adult population of Australia is a shareowner either directly through actually owning shares or indirectly through a managed fund. In addition to buying shares themselves, every employee has a superannuation account, which is also very likely to have investments in the Australian Sharemarket. This investment seminar will outline the different investment markets and terminology used but is also designed to cater for an introduction into investing in the Australian Sharemarket whilst covering topics for the more sophisticated investor such as Warrants, Options and Capital Structured Products. You will complete this seminar understanding what type of investor you are and the importance of investment risk verses investment reward. ‘Wealth begins with better knowledge’ and with that in mind these seminars have designed to give you the basic information you will need to understand and participate confidently in not only the Australian Sharemarket but also the various investment products available in the marketplace. AFLPA contacts: Matthew Burton (Victoria, New South Wales & Queensland) W: (03) 9621 1800 E: [email protected] Brad Wira (Western Australia & South Australia) W: (08) 9481 5222 E: [email protected]


Property Seminars Property Planning Australia, the nation's first company to combine property and home loan advice under the same roof will deliver seminars providing objective advice and practical assistance in all aspects of the home buying and investing experience. From obtaining the right loan, through to finding and purchasing the most suitable property, to starting and building a property portfolio. Property Planning Australia believes there is no single 'magic formula' that paves the way to property success. Each person has different circumstances and goals, so the home loan and property that are appropriate for one investor may not be right for another. Two seminars have been developed for the specific needs of our membership. The first session explains first home purchase and the basic principles of sound property investment. The second seminar is specific to property investment discussing different investment philosophies and structures. Property Planning Australia contact: Mark Armstrong - Director W: (03) 9819 4088 E: [email protected]

Small Business Small Business Victoria provides a number of workshops, short courses and mentoring aimed at meeting the specific needs of the individual. The education ranges from broad overviews of the skills needed to be successful in small business to the specific details of market plans, strategic reviews, accounting processes and tax. While the AFLPA have specific workshops delivered visit the Business Victoria website for more information on all the programs they can provide; Website: www.business.vic.gov.au For the most up to date information on the small business education in your state contact:

AFLPA contact: Mark Porter –Transition Services Manager W: (03) 9926 1351 E: [email protected]


Finance

Player Retirement Account The Player Retirement Account (PRA) was established on 1 January 1999 to assist players in the transition into their post-AFL career. These payments which are made in December the year after the player exits the AFL system are funded from the contributions made to the AFLPA under the CBA. The size of the payment is dependent on the number of years the player has in the AFL system, with different rates for senior and rookie list.

Financial Health Check De-listed or retired Players who have been in the system for three years plus will be offered the opportunity to meet with AFLPA’s Financial Advisers Matthew Burton or Brad Wira to assist them with the financial transition from the AFL via a Financial Health Check (FHC).

As a player is generally going into a period of uncertainty where their work and football life may be undecided, the FHC will take the player through a cashflow strategy which will outline all fixed and non fixed financial commitments so any potential financial issues can be identified.

A majority of players will be faced with a dramatic change in their disposable income, how this affects not only their personal situation but also their families, is something that requires considerable planning and on-going management.

The FHC offered by the AFLPA will not only outline any changes in income and how personal circumstances will be affected, but addresses other areas such as those outlined below:

Cashflow Management and Budgeting Debt Management – Good vs. Bad Taxation Guidance – Specific advice should be referred to your accountant Fixed & Variable Financial commitments Setting Financial Goals Superannuation Investment Recommendations Insurances – Personal, General and Private

The cost of the FHC is covered by the AFLPA and is available to players until receipt of their respective PRA payment in December 2010.

A significant part of the FHC focuses on your anticipated PRA outlining how much you will receive, when your payment is due and the associated tax consequences on receipt.

An income timeline of where the player sits in the current financial year as well as the forthcoming one is outlined. This will include a players’ year to date earnings from their club, possible new professional employment income as well as any lower level football earnings.

These consultations are usually conducted in conjunction with Mark Porter – Transition Services Manager when he meets with players following their exit out of the AFL environment.

We strongly recommend utilising the service as it aims to help members make a smooth financial transition, as well as address their specific financial issues and needs in what can sometimes be a period of uncertainty.


AFLPA & AFL Industry Superannuation Plan - Past Players The AFLPA & AFL Industry Superannuation Plan was set up with a view to providing a highly flexible and low cost superannuation fund for all AFL players & associated staff as well as allowing retired / de-listed players to remain as members of the Fund after their playing days have finished. The ‘Past Players’ category effectively allows Past Players to remain a member of the AFLPA & AFL Industry Superannuation Plan for as long as they choose. For more information regarding the AFLPA superannuation plan, Player Retirement Account or Financial Heath Check, please contact the AFLPA Superannuation Advisors; Matthew Burton (Victoria, New South Wales & Queensland) W: (03) 9621 1800 E: [email protected] Brad Wira (Western Australia & South Australia) W: (08) 9481 5222 E: [email protected] Toll free – 1300 763 359


AFLPA Revamped Web Site - www.aflpa.com.au www.aflpa.com.au is the official site of the AFL Players’ Association. The revamped website provides a wealth of information to current and past AFL players, as well as interested members of the public. Past player members of the AFLPA can access the site to receive information regarding the range of services and programs available to past player members. This includes information regarding Medibank Health Insurance, CGU Vehicle Insurance as well as all relevant details and downloadable application forms dealing with the AFLPA Education and Training Grants, Next Goal Program and other Workshops. You can also download a range of career transition resources, relevant to your situation including templates and information detailing CV and job application letter preparation, as well as interview techniques amongst other resources. The site also provides past player members with regular updates regarding AFLPA past player member events and other initiatives, as they are announced. Past player members are encouraged to sign up as a registered user of the site to gain access to a growing range of ‘past player member only’ information. To do so, simply log on to www.aflpa.com.au, then click on the ‘new users click here’ icon in the top right hand corner of the site, follow the prompts and fill in your details. You will then be emailed details of your aflpa.com.au user name and password which will be required for you to log on to the site.

Importantly; for recently Retired and Delisted Players

a more detailed version of the AFLPA Transition Guide is available on the members’ only section of the

AFLPA web site.


2009 NAB AFL Draft Dates

All players exiting from an AFL club in 2009 must nominate for the Draft at the website if they aspire to play with an AFL club in 2010;

www.nabafldraftnom.com.au List Lodgement (1) Friday 30 October, 2009 by 2pm

Out of Contract Listed AFL Primary List Players Draft Nomination Form Lodged Tuesday 10 November, 2009 by 2pm Note: Out of Contract Listed players who lodge a nomination form at this time are delisted automatically and must stipulate they are either entering the National Draft or the nomination form is to be held over for the Pre-Season Draft ( thus by- passing the National Draft). Out of Contract Listed players should not nominate if they are still negotiating with their Club but may nominate after the National Draft, if not delisted by their Club beforehand. List Lodgement (2) Friday 13 November, 2009 by 2.00pm Delisted Primary List Draft Nomination Form Lodgement Wednesday 18 November, 2009 by 2.00pm Note: Delisted Primary List Players may nominate for the National Draft or bypass the National Draft then nominate for the Pre-Season Draft prior to 8 December deadline Non–Retained Rookie Players Draft Nomination Form Lodgement Wednesday 18 November, 2009 by 2.00pm Note: Rookie Listed Players not retained by their Club must renominate for the National Draft to be eligible for the Pre-Season and Rookie Drafts. If a non-retained rookie does not nominate for the National Draft he will not be eligible for the Pre-Season and Rookie Drafts.

NAB AFL Draft Selection Meeting Saturday 28 November, 2009 at 10.00am

Out of Contract AFL Primary Listed Players Nomination Form Lodgement Tuesday 1 December, 2009 by 2.00pm International Players and Players Not Registered for Three (3) Years Inclusion on Rookie List Form Lodgement Tuesday 1 December , 2009 by 2.00pm NSW Scholarship Listed Players and International Scholarship Listed Players Inclusion on Rookie List Form Lodgement Tuesday 1 December 2009 by 2.00pm AFL Club List Lodgement (3) and TPP Estimates Wednesday 2 December, 2009 by 2.00pm Delisted Primary List Players Nomination Form Lodgement Tuesday 8 December, 2009 by 2.00pm

NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft Selection Meeting Tuesday 15 December, 2009 at 10.00am

Brisbane FC & Sydney FC Pre-Selected Rookie & 3rd Year Rookie Player Names Lodged with AFL Tuesday 15 December, 2009 by 10.15am

NAB AFL Rookie Draft Selection Meeting Tuesday 15 December 2009 at 10.20am


Madden Medal Lunch Celebrating the Careers of AFL Players

On Friday the 4th of December 2009 the AFLPA will stage the Madden Medal Lunch – an annual event which will celebrate the careers of all retiring and delisted AFL players. Whether you have played 3 AFL games or 203 AFL games, achieving the feat of playing AFL at the highest level is a significant accomplishment of itself which is only attained by a small percentage of the population. In recognising the skill, effort and commitment required to play even one single AFL match, the AFLPA has created an event which pays tribute to all AFL players who are departing from an AFL playing career to embark on the next chapter in their lives. Held in December each year at the conclusion of the AFL trading and contracting period, the Madden Medal Lunch marks the beginning of life after professional football in the career transition of AFL players. The Madden Medal itself is an award which recognises outstanding achievement by an AFL player over the course of his career. Only retiring or delisted players are eligible for the award which will be judged according to achievements both on and off the field of play. The Madden Medal will be presented at the function before an audience of current and past AFL players, industry figures and corporate guests. Importantly, the annual Madden Medal Lunch will also serve as the AFLPA’s principal past players’ function, where past AFL players from all years will have the chance to reunite in a festive atmosphere and collectively pay tribute to the retiring players of each year. All retiring and delisted players are invited to attend the Madden Medal Lunch on a complimentary basis. A personal invitation will be sent to you directly and we strongly encourage them to attend along with close family and friends so that we can acknowledge their contribution to the great game of Australian Rules football.


AFLPA Past Player Membership Several years ago the AFLPA introduced a new category of membership to provide support and benefits to past AFL players. Prior to this, players ceased being members of the AFLPA upon the conclusion of their AFL career. Such players were eligible to receive education and training grants as well as counselling and welfare support via the Player Development Program for a period of up to three years, however there was previously little ability to continue involvement with the AFLPA beyond this time. Starting from 2006, all retiring or de-listed AFL players are able to elect to become an AFLPA Past Player for life. As a Past Player member you will: Receive top level private health insurance cover for one year from the conclusion of you

playing contract (31 October) paid for by the AFLPA; Be able to continue private health insurance beyond your first year out of the game in a

corporate policy which is cheaper than the retail price and has the added benefit of the AFLPA picking up the cost of any excess whenever you require a hospital visit;

Be entitled to access private health insurance at a discounted rate for family members; Be able to participate in the AFLPA member motor vehicle insurance program; Receive information regarding AFLPA grants and support services for past players; Be eligible for other AFLPA member-only benefits; Continue to receive AFLPA regular communications and invitations to AFLPA events. The AFLPA Past Player membership fee for retiring and delisted players is $385.00 for formerly senior listed players and $192.50 for formerly rookie listed players (including GST). This is the same as the fee for current players because it includes the cost of your private health insurance. With your authorization, we can directly deduct your fee from your AFLPA Retirement Fund account. To become an AFLPA Past Player member simply complete the membership form included in the back of this Career Transition Guide and return to the AFLPA. The Past Player membership fee is a one-off payment which entitles you to membership of the AFLPA for the rest of your life.


Appendix A - The Delisting Process: Your Club’s Obligations

Under the 2007-2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the AFLPA and the AFL, AFL Clubs are required to undertake the following procedure when delisting a player:

14.10 Each AFL Club agrees to follow the procedure relating to delisting of a Player as follows:

(a) the Player after being given reasonable notice of the time, date and place of the meeting, will meet with the senior coach, football manager or other person nominated by the Club who will inform the Player, on an individual basis, that the Club has decided to delist the Player and the reasons the Club has for delisting the Player;

(b) unless otherwise agreed, details of the discussions taken place under sub-paragraph (a) will be kept confidential;

(c) should the Player fail to meet an appointment reasonably made by the Club for the purposes set out in sub-paragraph (a), the Club may inform the Player of that Player’s delisting in such other manner determined by the Club;

(d) after the Club has advised the Player of his delisting, the Club will arrange for the Player to meet with the Club’s Player Development Manager or similar personnel as soon as practicable;

(e) the Player Development Manager will provide the Player with information regarding the career transition process that the Club has in place;

(f) AFLPA shall provide each Club with an information booklet which outlines the career transition services available to Players through the AFLPA and the Club shall pass this information onto the Player;

(g) the Player Development Manager will, with the Player’s consent, immediately contact the nominated AFLPA Representative and inform that person of the details of the Player’s delisting;

(h) AFLPA shall encourage all delisted Players to commit to a career transition consultation with a qualified careers consultant;

(i) each Club shall arrange at its cost for a termination medical to be conducted on the Player and the Club shall provide the Player with details of the Player’s hospital and medical insurance including the name of the insurer, the level of cover and the expiry date of the policy. The Player shall be obliged to attend the medical examination at a time and place and with a doctor to be mutually agreed to between the Player and the Club and in any event as soon as practicable after the de-listing of the Player. A copy of the medical report shall be forwarded to the Player and the Club shall not release the medical report to any other person unless the Player agrees in writing or unless the Club is otherwise required to disclose the medical report to the AFL as part of the AFL’s duty of disclosure to the AFL’s insurer;

(j) an AFL Club shall be liable/responsible for reimbursing a Player the Gap and any other costs, not covered by private health insurance, upon production of relevant receipts or other proof of payment, reasonably incurred by the Player within 12 months of delisting from his AFL Club or such longer period as is reasonable and necessary to properly treat the injury, in the treatment of injuries that are identified in that Player’s exit medical as injuries incurred whilst playing football, whilst training for football or whilst engaged in activities authorised by the AFL Club.

Documents

2009 AFLPA Retired & Delistement Guide