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Player Association Contacts
Name Tit le Mobile Email
Adam Baldwin Content Producer 0422 294 003 [email protected]
Anna Box Wellbeing Consultant 0425 764 482 [email protected]
Bernie Shinners Legal Services Consultant 0419 338 382 [email protected] [email protected]
Brad Fisher Manager – Alumni & Corporate Programs
0431 111 517 [email protected]
Braden Stokes Player Relations Coordinator 0418 553 437 [email protected]
Brett Johnson General Manager – Player Development 0411 159 237 [email protected]
Brett Murphy Legal Counsel 0432 072 250 [email protected]
Callan Thornton Graduate Accountant Finance 0402 704 423 [email protected]
Claire Mitchell-Taverner Player Development Regional Manager 0404 044 765 [email protected]
Cory McGrath Accountant 0425 706 289 [email protected]
Farley Douglas Marketing Executive 0421 662 849 [email protected]
Georgie Herbert Commercial Operations Manager 0407 326 603 [email protected]
Greg Campbell IT Project Manager 0413 701 032 [email protected]
Heath Evans Communications Officer 0438 856 066 [email protected]
Ian Prendergast General Manager – Player Relat ions
0412 878 455 [email protected]
Jennifer Ashton Player Development Administrator 0419 335 914 [email protected]
Jo Mitchell Wellbeing Services Manager 0422 952 003 [email protected]
John Hinge Player Development Regional Manager 0408 854 690 [email protected]
John Hogan General Manager - Finance & Administration
0403 333 089 [email protected]
Kelly Applebee Indigenous and Multicultural Manager 0411 811 226 [email protected]
Kylie Ruddick Executive Assistant to CEO 0407 321 404 [email protected]
Kylie Ulms Receptionist 0411 028 598 [email protected]
Laura Sigal Player Relations Legal Officer 0410 008 821 [email protected]
Marissa Fillipou Player Development Regional Manager 0409 859 144 [email protected]
Matt Finnis Chief Executive Off icer 0423 366 967 [email protected]
Rebecca Chitty General Manager – Marketing & Communication
0411 407 776 [email protected]
Rebecca Holman Executive Assistant to General Managers
0414 325 546 [email protected]
Richard Champion Player Development Regional Manager 0409 624 904 [email protected]
Rudi Tendi IT Help Desk 0406 053 620 03 9804 0022
Vanessa Gigliotti Media & PR Manager 0402 848 779 [email protected]
Mark Bolton Project Manager 0425 706 316
Rayden Tallis Project Manager – Career Transition 0407 162 229
[email protected] aflsportsready.com.au
CBA, CONTRACT AND RULES SUMMARY
A . CBA
1 PA, Board and Delegates
2 Pay
3 Reimbursements
4 Contributions to Camps/Trips
5 Travel and Accommodation
6 Standard Day Off
7 Professional Development
8 Break between matches
9 Health and Safety
10 Insurance
11 Injury Payments- Final Year
12 Injury Payments - Other than final year injury
13 Medical Examinations
14 Medical Records
15 Second Tier Requirements
16 Car Parking
17 Post-season Leave
18 Return from Leave
19 Training Prior to Christmas Leave
20 Breaches of Leave Rules
21 Leave records
22 PDMs
23 Delisting
24 Termination Payment
25 International Rules Matches
26 1st, 2nd and Rookie players
27 Match Tickets
28 Grand Final Tickets
29 Grand Final Travel
30 Tools of the Trade
31 Player Appearances for game development or club promotion
32 Media/Broadcaster
33 Player Use of Club or AFL I.P.
34 Player Right to Licence Own Image
35 Club/AFL Use of Image
36 AFL-AFLPA Licencing
37 Memorabilia
38 Grievance Procedure
NOTES:
Deadlines to Remember
October:
31st: Agents to provide statements to players for previous financial year.
November:
16th: Notification of the pre-season day off.
January
1st: Notification of the in-season day off and any variations.
Second Monday: Memorabilia signing sessions schedule for the season.
February
1st: Applications to AFL for player driven appearance credit.
15th: AFL to notify the AFL Players’ Association of their 4 protected sponsors.
15th: Each club to notify the AFL Players’ Association of their 4 protected sponsors.
March
1st: Clubs to nominate testimonial players to the AFL.
1st:C clubs to schedule and notify players of at least 11 of 15 appearances.
1st: AFL to schedule and notify players of at least 5 of 6 appearances.
15th: Clubs and the AFL to provide their appearance schedule to the AFL Players’ Association.
Apri l
1st: Clubs to make payment of AFLPA membership from players.
30th: Clubs to submit annual leave plans for the upcoming leave period.
June
30th: Submission to the AFL of final year injury claims from the previous year.
B. Standard Player Contract (terms not in CBA)
39 No dangerous Activities
40 Remuneration Packaging
41 Monthly Statement
42 Termination
43 Privacy/Consent
C. Code of Conduct
44 Team Rules
45 Maximum Sanctions
46 Minor Breaches
47 Serious or Persistent Breaches
48 Wilful Misconduct/Pecuniary Loss
49 Forfeitures
50 Dispute Resolution
51 Relationship with Standard Player Contract
D. Anti-doping Code (ADC)
52 Strict Liability
53 ASADA and AFL Rules
54 Tests
55 WADA Banned Substances
56 AFL Banned Substances
57 Sanctions
58 Whereabouts
59 Therapeutic Use Exceptions
60 Retirement
E. Illicit Drug Policy (IDP)
61 Difference Between Anti-Doping and Illicit Drugs Codes
62 Samples
63 Refusals
64 Possession
65 Club testing
66 Referrals
67 Positive tests
68 Club Positives
69 Appeal
70 Sanctions
F. Other Codes
71 Vilification
72 Public Comment
73 Gambling
74 Respect/Responsibility
G. Safety Checks
H. Concussions
I. Standard Player Agent Agreement
I . Standard Player Agent Agreement
1. Agents must be accredited
Players may only sign with accredited agents.
2. Agent Obligations
Among an agent’s obligations to a player are providing statements on or before 31 October of each year covering the previous financial year, keeping proper records, regular contact (face-to-face at least once per year) and keeping him apprised of the details of any negotiation on his behalf.
Player money must be held in a trust account, which must be audited annually
Money paid on behalf of the player must be paid to him within 30 days of receipt (unless agreed otherwise).
3. Player Obligations to Agents
Players must ensure that agents have their updated contact details and pay their commissions on time.
4. Termination for Cause
Either party may terminate the contract for a breach that the other fails to remedy within 14 days of written notice.
Players may also terminate if the agent fails to lodge the agency contract with the AFL Players’ Association within 14 days of signing and/or the agency becomes insolvent.
5. Termination without Cause
Either party may terminate the contract without cause on three months written notice.
6. Consequences of Termination - Effect on Commissions
If the agent terminates the contract for breach or the player terminates the contract without cause, the player must continue to pay commissions on contracts negotiated by the agent.
If the player terminates the contract for cause or the agent terminates the contract without cause, no further commissions are due and pre-paid commissions must be refunded.
7. New Agent in Final Year
A player in the final year of his contract may use the services of a different agent to negotiate his next contract so long as he notifies the agent and club in writing.
G. Safety
1. Call the PA
Any time a player’s safety may be at risk, the PA should be called as soon as possible.
2. Heat
Heat procedures including additional hydration, cooling equipment, shorter quarters, etc. must be put into place in extreme heat. Hydration and cooling equipment and supplies must be available at matches and training
The AFL policy does not specify the temperature/humidity at which the heat procedures must be activated. If players believe that they should be activated, but they are not being activated, they should contact AFLPA immediately.
3. Ambulance
There must be ambulances at all matches.
4. Playing Surfaces
Playing surfaces must be level, stable, uniformly irrigated, and of a hardness of between 30 and 120 using the Clegg tester. The traction reading must be between 20 and 75.
5. Lightning
Once the interval between seeing lighting and hearing thunder decreases to 30 seconds, players must be moved to safe shelter. Activities may resume 30 minutes after the last lightning strike/ thunder clap.
H. Concussions
A player who is suspected of having concussion must be immediately evaluated by a doctor qualified to detect concussions.
The doctor should make an independent decision as to whether the player should be cleared to play.
Only a doctor may clear the player to return to play.
Concussion protocols are for the long-term benefit of all players. Players should insist on strict adherence.
A. Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) 1. AFL Players’ Association Board and Delegates PA dues are to be deducted by the club upon receipt of appropriate authorisations.
Board members are allowed to attend up to 8 PA meetings on 14 days notice.
Board and delegates are allowed to attend the execs and delegates conference upon 14 days notice to the club. 2. Pay Minimum base to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments. Senior match payments to be paid by the 15th of the month following the one in which the matches were played.
No deduction is allowed unless; 1) required by law (such as taxes) or 2) it is both authorised in writing by the Player and on the AFL/AFL Players’ Association list of allowed deductions.
3. Reimbursement The club must reimburse the player for any item the club requires the player to use, but does not provide in sufficient quantity and/or of appropriate quality.
The club is not required to reimburse a player if it provides an item in sufficient quantity and of appropriate quality, but the player prefers another. 4. Contribution to Camps/ Trips Clubs may not request contributions for costs of training camps unless; 1) the cost is divided proportionally among players; 2) no player pays more than the lesser of $2,000 or 5% of his salary, 3) the club detail the financial arrangements in advance, and 4) 75% of the listed players vote in favour through a secret ballot conducted by the club and PA delegate. 5. Travel and Accommodation All players should receive upgraded seating, exit row seating or 2 passengers per 3 seats, subject to availability. 6. Standard Day Off (SDO) A club’s SDO: must be notified prior to 1 February,
may not be changed more than 4 times per season,
must be in addition to Sundays in pre-season, and
may not be prior to a game day (except if game is on a Friday).
For 2014, if players agree through a secret vote run by the PA, the day off can be varied so long as 1) it is not before a game or travel day, 2) players’ professional development is considered, 3) where possible, coaches and trainers have same day off, 4) the schedule is proposed for PA and AFL approval prior to 1 February 2014, and 5) once approved, the schedule is not changed.
7. Professional Development
Players must be allowed a 4-hour block per week for professional development.
The professional development block should be scheduled during hours normally within the club’s schedule and must be for a professional development activity approved by AFL and PA.
8. Break Between Matches
Unless it is not possible because of the draw, there must be at least five days between matches.
9. Health And Safety
Each club must set up consultative procedures involving players to address health and safety.
Players who are required to attend a match must be provided appropriate security and, clubs must make best effort to provide reserve seating in the club enclosure.
10. Insurance
Clubs must offer players top-level hospital and medical cover. A player has two weeks to source a comparable policy if he elects to do so. If a player does not provide proof of coverage at the end of the two weeks, the club may purchase the insurance offered and deduct the cost from the player’s wages. The club must pay the FBT for 1st and 2nd year players.
Players must be insured against losses of earnings from outside employment to the following maximum weekly amounts for a minimum of 2 weeks and maximum of one year: 2014: $1995; 2015: $2055; 2016: $2115.
Players who receive final year injury payments shall be covered for top hospital and medical benefits for the period of the injury with a maximum of 2 years. The club pays the FBT.
The club must provide injury insurance for anyone who trains with the club but is not under contract.
11. Injury Payments- Final Year
A player injured in an AFL match in the final years of his contract and unlikely to be able to play senior football again may apply for benefits equal to the following percentages of his last year’s base salary: 25 years of age or under: 200%; over 25 and under 30: 150%; 30 or older: 50%.
If: 1) the final year injury is in the second tier, 2) the player is delisted at the end of the contract, and 3) the AFL club doctor concludes that the player is unlikely to be able to play senior football for any period of less than 2 years, then the player receives payments of $775 for each match missed for a maximum of 30 matches.
Applications for final year injury payments must be made no later than the 30th of June in the following year.
12. Injury Payments Other Than Final Year Injury
A player injured in an AFL match receives 100% of match payments for a maximum of 30 matches.
A player who is on an AFL list and is injured in a second tier competition receives $775 per match after the 3rd match missed, capped at $8250.
12. Injury Payments Other Than Final Year Injury (continued)
9. Appeal
Players may appeal test findings and sanctions.
10. Sanctions
First positive test: $5K (suspended until second violation).
Second positive within 4 years: 6-match suspension (suspended until 3rd violation).
Third and subsequent positives within 4 years: considered conduct unbecoming. The matter is sent to the tribunal and the player will be suspended between 6 and 12 matches for the first offense and no less than 12 for the second.
F. Other Codes
1. Vi l i f ication
Prohibits comments that vilify persons on the basis of their race, religion, colour, sex, sexual orientation or other related characteristics.
2. Public Comment
Prohibits adverse public comments concerning umpires or their decision as well as all aspects of a tribunal hearing.
3. Gambling
Players may not bet on AFL or second tier matches or disclose inside information (for instance, injuries). Sanctions apply.
4. Respect/ Responsibi l i ty
The code is intended to provide a safe and supportive environment for women.
Players can be terminated if a criminal or civil court finds them guilty of a sexual assault and/or they pay the victim compensation without a court order.
Players can be fined or suspended for taking inappropriate action when a complaint of sexual assault is made to the AFL, a club, the police, or the media, investigation. This includes failing to report the allegation to the AFL, making inappropriate comments, failing to cooperate with investigators, and vilifying the complainant.
Where there is an allegation of sexual assault and the victim does not wish to pursue criminal charges, if the player does not have a past history of related conduct, the consequence will be counselling and education and/or the requirement of an apology.
Sexual assault includes unwanted sexual touching as well as rape and indecent assault.
E. I l l icit Drug Policy (IDP)
1. Difference between IDP and ADC
IDP covers illicit drugs (other than on game days).
The ADC covers illicit drugs detected on a game day. Illicit drugs detected through anti-doping controls on game days carry the far harsher penalties in the ADC (a 2 year ban).
2. Samples
Samples may only be taken at training or other place where a player is performing employment duties.
3. Refusals/Tampering
A refusal of testing (or tampering with the sample) is the same as a positive test.
4. Possession
Possession of illicit drugs is the same as a positive test.
5. Club Testing
Clubs may not test - testing is only conducted by the AFL.
6. Referrals
Clubs may refer players for testing, education and/or treatment where it provides reasonable grounds for the AFL medical officer to conclude that it is appropriate.
A player may self-refer at any time.
The first time that a player self-refers prior to submitting a positive sample, he will not be deemed to have returned a positive test.
7. Posit ive Tests
A player who returns a positive test is referred to the AFL medical officer for counselling, treatment and education.
The only club official notified is the club doctor.
A second failed test is recorded against players who fail to attend when required.
A player who returns a positive test may be target tested.
8. Club Posit ives
If three or more players at a club return positive tests in a 6-month period, the club medical officer will notify the club CEO, but may not name the players.
The club CEO may not divulge the information or seek to discover the players’ identities.
A player is deemed injured in AFL if: 1) he is injured in an Exhibition match; 2) he played the last match of the season in the AFL and was injured playing in second tier after the season; 3) he was injured in a second tier match in a week that his club was not playing and his previous match was in the AFL and/or 4) he was injured in training or a club activity and his previous match was in the AFL.
Players must make best efforts to rehabilitate themselves while receiving these payments.
13. Medical Examinations
Medicals must be given at the end of each season and when a player is delisted.
Players must be given the results of their medicals, which shall include the treatment and rehabilitation for any injury identified.
14. Medical Records
Records must be kept in a secure place or electronic files.
Players must be notified of where their files are kept and who has access.
15. Second Tier Requirements
Cubs must make reasonable efforts to provide:
• medical rooms in accordance with the AFL Venue Guidelines; • relevant staff trained in concussion protocols; • the following at each match: one doctor, one sports trainer with Level 2 certification, three other
trainers with Level 1 certification, one physiotherapist, and supplies suitable for treating professional footballers.
• accurate medical recordkeeping at each match.
At each training session there must be one trainer with Level 2 certification and one physiotherapist.
All medical staff must undergo stretcher training exercises.
16. Car Parking
At each match players must be provided a secure reserved space, at no cost, with secure travel to and from the club rooms.
At the MCG, players must receive tickets to park in the area reserved for AFL umpires and officials.
At Etihad, players should pay to park, but must be reimbursed by their clubs.
17. Post-Season Leave
Leave begins the Wednesday after last match (Thursday, if players are off on the Monday or Tuesday, or win the GF). Clubs have reasonable time to finish post-season medicals after that date, if necessary.
Best and Fairest may not be scheduled later than the weekend following the GF.
Return: 1) for clubs not in weeks 2-4 of finals in mid-November or 2) for clubs in weeks 2-4 of finals not before 1 December. Players with fewer than 4 years in the AFL may be required to return 2 weeks early.
17. Post-Season Leave (continued)
Each player must receive at least 6 weeks leave at the end of the season.
Christmas leave must be at least two weeks and not end prior to 4 January.
Players must receive two 3-day breaks between 4 January and Round 1.
Players must receive one 4-day break during season.
A player may be contacted only semi-regularly while on leave, depending on his welfare needs, but may not be asked to report about his training or fitness.
Clubs may only provide training guidelines approved by AFL/AFL Players’ Association, which must include a period of rest followed by general conditioning. Clubs may not monitor players while on leave.
Players may not be required, directly or indirectly, to use club facilities while on leave, but may do so if they wish.
Clubs must make medical services available, including a list of medical contacts (for wherever players are spending their leave).
Clubs may provide rehab guidelines to injured players.
Club may provide treatment guidelines and reporting requirements for players with serious injuries or recovering from surgery.
Players and clubs may apply to the AFL/AFL Players’ Association to vary the leave where it would be preferable for a player to take his leave during the season.
At the end of International Rules Matches, the players must receive leave equal to the period of their annual leave within which they were required to train, travel and play. The dates of such leave are to be be negotiated with his club.
18. Return from Leave
Clubs may require individual players to return at reasonable levels of fitness.
Players who fail to meet the standard may be required to take additional training prior to Christmas leave. If they still fail to meet the standard, the club and leadership group may notify the player and AFL/AFL Players’ Association that he must meet the standard when he returns from Christmas leave. If the player still does not meet the standard after the Christmas leave, the club and leadership group may ask AFL/AFL Players’ Association to dock the player 2% of his salary until he meets the standard.
19. Training Prior to Christmas Leave
Between post-season leave and Christmas leave, clubs may not train more than 4 days per week for a maximum of 8 hours, except the playing group may agree to train 3 full days and two half days. Half days are 4 hours on weekdays and 2 hours on Saturdays prior to 10am.
AFL/AFL Players’ Association may allow flexibility around camp programs but only if players receive compensatory days off at the end of Christmas leave.
20. Breaches of Leave Rules
The fines for clubs that breach the leave provisions are $50K for the first breach and $100K for the second and subsequent breach. Breaches should be reported to the PA.
7. Sanctions- WADA Banned Substances The penalty for use of WADA banned substances is 2 years. There are certain factors that may reduce the sanctions, such as when there was no significant fault or negligence by the player or, for certain substances, where it was not taken for performance enhancement. Substantial assistance in helping ASADA detect violation of the code by others may also reduce sanctions. While suspended, a player may not participate in any sport or train with any team even those not under the WADA Code (such as NFL clubs). 7. Sanctions- AFL Rules Sanctions for violations of the AFL rules, where the substance/treatment does not also violate the WADA Code, are within the discretion of the AFL (but the AFL may not abuse its discretion). 8. Whereabouts Players must provide and update their whereabouts information to clubs for the purposes of out-of-competition testing. If a player misses three out-of-competition tests because of faulty whereabouts information, he will be deemed to have returned a positive test and the WADA sanctions will apply. 9. Therapeutic Use Exception (TUE) A player who is prescribed a drug for a medical condition must ensure that it is not on the banned list by asking the club doctor and checking the WADA website. If a prescribed drug is on the banned list, the player must obtain a therapeutic use exception (TUE) through the club doctor before taking the drug (except for bona fide emergencies, which allow for retrospective TUEs).
10. Retirement
A player who returns from retirement may not play in a match for three months from the date that the AFL approves his return from retirement.
D. Anti-Doping Code (ADC)
1. Str ict Liabil i ty Players are strictly liable for substances found in their samples.
2. ASADA Rules and AFL Rules AFL Rules cover almost all substances/treatments, while the ASADA rules cover only those substances in the WADA Code. Violations in connection with substances that only violate the AFL rules are treated differently and do not involve ASADA. 3. Tests Players are subject to urine and blood tests both in and out of competition. 4. WADA Banned Substances Substances banned by the WADA Code include steroids, other performance enhancing drugs, and substances that have been used to mask performance enhancing drugs. Also banned are cannabis, cocaine, and other illicit drugs. Players should not take any substance, whether supplement or pharmaceutical, without clearing it through the club doctor and checking the WADA website to ensure that it is not banned. 5. AFL Banned and Control led Substances and Treatments Controlled treatments are those that only the club doctor may prescribe and which players should notify to the club doctor to ensure that they do not inadvertently violate the WADA Code or take ineffective treatments. Banned substances/treatments are prohibited by the AFL but not necessarily the WADA Code. The only person at a club who may prescribe a substance and/or refer a player for medical treatment is the club doctor (except that a physio may refer a player for x-rays). Banned substances/treatments include (and are subject to change, so check f irst): compounding pharmacies, anti-aging clinics, supplements not batch-tested by the AFL, substances manufactured outside Australia, therapeutic substances that have not been approved in Australia, peptides, cerebrolysin, tribulus, prohormones, TA65, and caffeine above the dose of 4mg/Kg. Approval is needed for treatment by providers not registered in Australia. Control substances/treatments include (and are subject to change, so check f irst): low-dose caffeine, vitamins, actovegin, circumin, hyperbaric treatments, and the like. 6. Excluded Substances The following are some of the treatments permitted without approval: massage therapy, glucose, acupuncture, anything normally in food or beverages (such as caffeine in chocolate), extracorporeal shock wave therapy, electrolytes, dry needling, hypoxic treatment, vaccinations, altitude training, paracetamol, aspirin and any treatment provided by a medical practitioner that does not directly relate to the Player’s conditioning or preparation as an AFL footballer. Players may get second opinions on football-related matters through referral by the club doctor or the PA’s medical advisor (including referrals to a doctor of the player’s choosing).
21. Leave Records
Clubs must maintain accurate leave records, which the player and PA may inspect upon reasonable notice.
22. PDMs (Player Development Managers)
Each club must have a full-time PDM.
A PDM may not have other duties that conflict with his/her role as PDM (either in time required or substance).
23. Delist ing
The club must inform the player at a private meeting with senior coach, football manager or other appropriate person and arrange for the player to then meet with the PDM to discuss transition.
Exit medicals must be performed and the results given to player.
The club must cover the medical costs of football injuries identified in the exit medical for 12 months.
First/second year players receive relocation (except those who retire, transfer clubs, or are terminated for cause).
24. Termination Payment
If club delists player and terminates his contract, it must pay him the balance of his base payment and match fees (for the relevant competition) to the end of the contract.
If a player who was terminated is contracted by another club, the portion of the termination payment for the overlapping period will be offset against his earnings at the new club.
25. International Rules
Players receive a daily allowance agreed by the AFL and PA.
Players who are injured receive the same benefits as if injured in an AFL match.
26. 1st, 2nd and Rookie Players
Players receive 2 return air fares and family travel of 8 return airfares and 8 nights accommodation based on actual costs, as well assist in setting up living space of specified items to the following maximums (including FBT): 2014:$6,165; 2015 $6,350, and 2016 $6,540.
Players receive a living allowance based on actual costs to the following maximums: 2014: $9,355; 2015: $9,635; 2016: $9,925.
Unused allowances carry over to a player’s second year (2nd year draft only).
Players receive up to $2,000 in case of bereavement.
27. Match Tickets
Players receive: o 4 general admission tickets for any of their club’s regular season matches, o 4 reserved tickets for any of their club’s “fully ticketed match” at Etihad or the
MCG during the regular season, o 2 reserved seats in the club enclosure if required to attend a regular season
match, and; o 2 free reserved tickets in the club enclosure for their club’s finals matches with
the right to purchase 2 more.
Players may purchase 2 tickets at face value for matches in the final series.
28. Grand Final Tickets
Players can buy 2 tickets at face value.
Players competing in the GF receive two free tickets.
GF tickets are only posted to players with 8 or more years in the AFL, others must collect them personally.
29. Grand Final Travel
A club may pay for the interstate travel of one person per player in the GF without inclusion in the salary cap.
30. Tools of the Trade
Players are free to choose their personal footwear (boots and runners) and gloves.
A club must pay the costs of any tool of trade required of a player.
A player who receives more than $20K in cash from a sponsor may licence his image to promote his tools of trade so long as he does not use AFL or club IP (including uniforms, gear, etc).
31. Player Appearances (for game development or club promotion)
Each player must be available one-half day per fortnight (except during leave) for 15 club and 6 AFL appearances.
Before Christmas break, the AFL and Club must consult with the delegate about the programme of appearances in the upcoming year.
No later than 1 March: 1) the Club must provide each player the details of 11 of his 15 appearances and 2) the AFL must provide each player the details of 5 of his 6 appearances
A player with more than 5 years on a primary list may seek approval to have 6 appearances used for his own game/community activities. He must apply by 1 February.
A player must be reminded of each appearance both 14 days and 7 days prior to the appearance.
Appearances must be spread out equitably among players, with consideration of the time involved and a player’s skills, training, aptitude and culture.
3. Minor Breaches
The leadership group with approval of the club (or the club with its senior players if there is no leadership group at the club) may impose penalties of up to $200 for the first breach of the Code and $500 for subsequent minor breaches.
Minor breaches include: lateness, missing a function or promotional appearance, missing a medical or physio appointment, wearing incorrect apparel, etc.
4. Serious or Persistent Breaches
For a serious breach, persistent breaches, or public conduct that brings the AFL or club into disrepute, the club determines the sanction. The leadership group/senior players may only be consulted in exceptional circumstances.
Penalties are up to $5,000 (but not more than 5% base) for the first breach and between $2500 and $10K (but not more than 7.5% of base) for subsequent breaches.
5. Wilful Misconduct/Pecuniary Loss
If the conduct would constitute grounds for dismissal and/or results in a pecuniary loss to the club, then the club may impose a sanction greater than those above, so long as they do not exceed the club’s pecuniary loss or 15% of the player’s base.
6. Forfeitures
Forfeitures are non cumulative.
The caps may not be exceeded even if the conduct violates several clauses of the Code.
Players must enter into contract variations to implement forfeitures.
Clubs may suspend sanctions.
7. Dispute Resolution
Before a player seeks a formal review, he must allow the club to undertake an informal review. If the informal review does not resolve the matter, the player has 72 hours within which to formally appeal a sanction to the grievance tribunal.
8. Relationship between Code of Conduct and SPC
The club may take action under the SPC or the Code, but not both.
B. Standard Player Contract (SPC) (clauses not in the CBA)
1. No Dangerous Activit ies
Club consent is required for activities that may place a player at risk of injury, including but not limited to; trail bike riding, professional boxing or wrestling, soccer, gridiron, karate, judo, hang gliding, parachuting, or bungee jumping. Consent may not be unreasonably denied.
2. Remuneration
A player may enter into a remuneration packaging arrangement with his club so long as it is reported to the AFL.
3. Monthly Statement
Each player must receive a monthly statement detailing his payment and deductions as well as the appearances he has performed.
4. Termination
Either party may terminate the SPC if; 1) the other remains in breach for 28 days after being notified of the breach or 2) the other lodges a false statutory declaration.
A player may be terminated by his club or the AFL for serious or wilful misconduct.
A player may not be terminated if he had been fined under Code of Conduct for the same conduct.
5. Privacy/ Consents
The AFL may provide information to ASADA, wagering services, and law enforcement to enforce doping and gambling rules.
Club doctors may only disclose medical information to ASADA and the AFL medical advisor/integrity unit; except that general information may be given to the media about an injury sustained in a match.
C. Code of Conduct
1. Team Rules
Clubs can develop team rules with their leadership groups but they may only supplement the Code, they cannot replace or extend the responsibilities players have.
Rules may not be enforced against a player unless he had been given a copy of the rules prior to the conduct at issue.
2. Maximum Sanctions
The maximum sanctions in the Code should not be applied unless the breach was serious and/or the player has a history of similar breaches.
Non-monetary sanctions should be applied where appropriate.
31. Player Appearances (continued)
Appearances are not required of: 1) players completing their secondary school studies or 2) players in tertiary programs 2 days prior to an exam.
Generally, appearances should be four hours or fewer. Two appearances may be used for one day-long appearance. One appearance may be divided into two parts equalling no more than 4 hours.
No appearance may be scheduled during a player’s leave, scheduled day off, or 4-hour development block.
3 media interviews count as 1 appearance.
Players must be reimbursed for travel more than 150 ks from their home or club.
An appearance may not be rescheduled unless the player received 2 days notice of cancellation.
A player who cannot attend an appearance due to circumstances out of his control must give the club two days notice and describe the circumstances. The player must also use his best efforts to get another player of comparable reputation to cover for him.
Fines for failing to attend Club/AFL appearances are 1st time: $250 Club/$500 AFL, 2nd $500/$1000, 3rd and subsequent: $1500/$3K. They do not carry over from year to year. The appearance may be rescheduled.
A player does not have to appear for an AFL or Club sponsor, other than a protected sponsor, if it raises a conflict with a personal commercial arrangement of which the club and AFL have been notified.
32. Media/ Broadcaster
Players may be requested to perform post match or pre/post-training interviews without credit.
Players may be required to perform a maximum of 4 interviews for the AFL Broadcaster (6 if in final series).
24 hours notice is required and interviews may not be in consecutive weeks unless the player agrees.
Three interviews count as a half-day appearance.
Nothing prevents players from agreeing to perform additional interviews if they so wish.
Midweek interviews are a maximum of 30 minutes, usually after training.
Clubs may ask that a player be excused from an interview where there are exceptional circumstances such as illness or bereavement or there has been substantial media interest due to off-field conduct.
The broadcaster may have cameras in the change rooms.
33. Player Use of Club or AFL I.P.
Players may not use club or AFL I.P., such as guernseys, in their personal promotions, without written consent of the AFL or club.
34. Player Right to Licence Own Image
A player may licence his image non-exclusively so long as it does not conflict with a protected sponsor and is not prejudicial to AFL football (the AFL and the Club may each have 4 protected sponsors).
Players may contract with media organisations, but not exclusively.
35. Club/AFL Use of Player Image
A player’s image may be used in connection with awards and players may be required to attend the awards and launch (that year and next), give interviews, and appear in print promotions.
A player’s image may be used for promotion of football, the AFL, or the Club, including the promotion of protected sponsors.
A player’s image may be used in AFL Digital Media, but the AFL may not create player websites or social media identities for individual players.
36. AFL- AFL Players’ Association Licencing
Whenever a Player’s image is used on an automatically approved item, the PA will notify the player.
Approved items are trading cards, stickers, static stickers, posters, greeting cards, books, badges, mugs, barware, cups, CDs, DVD’s/videos, event and commemorative scarves, t-shirts, tops, caps, figurines, key rings, pins, team based computer games and other items upon which the AFL and PA may agree.
Players cannot unreasonably withhold their consent to use of their images in licensing. Refusal to consent is reasonable if 1) player can demonstrate a real personal, ethical or moral objection (eg gambling or alcohol), 2) use of the player will hurt his reputation/brand, 3) the use conflicts with the player’s personal arrangements (as notified to the AFL) and 4) if a fee is involved, the fee is not commercially appropriate under the circumstances.
Marketing images are those used by the AFL, club, sponsors, broadcasters or licensees of the AFL or club.
No consent is required to use a player’s image in marketing images using 4 or more players, except for a featured player – one central to the activity depicted. The featured player’s consent is required.
Video footage may be used without consent if the player’s image is incidental, the video is being used for non-commercial purposes (highlights for awards night) or where there are at least 6 clips per 30 seconds and both the player is not used to a greater extent than the others and the clip does not conflict with his personal arrangements.
37. Memorabil ia
Players may only sign memorabilia according to the memorabilia signing guidelines. A player representative at each club will be responsible for player signings.
No later than the 2nd Monday of January, the club and leadership group will schedule the signing sessions. There may be one between New Year’s and the start of the season; one during the season, and a third, smaller one, upon agreement. All items for corporate or charity purposes must be signed at one of these sessions.
The maximum signing session for any player is 2 hours. If a player is unavailable, he may be required to sign on another date.
Players should have a fan autograph (first initial, surname, and number, with personal note if possible) and a commercial autograph (full signature and number).
37. Memorabil ia (continued)
Fan Autograph: The fan autograph may be used without payment for marketing, charity, family day, schools and appearances. Players collectively or as part of the leadership group can be asked to sign up to 300 items per year without payment for sponsor/promotional purposes and 500 for charity/community groups (cannot be sold at retail).
Players who want team signed product may purchase up to ten products (eg jumper or ball) for signing. If a player is supplied with an item to be signed for charity, he must give it to the club autograph manager who will arrange monthly signing sessions. No more than ten such items per season. Fan autograph must be used.
Commercial Signature: The commercial signature is reserved solely for the licensing program – for items sold other than through club auctions. Payment per player is $5 for items signed by more than 22 players; $10 if signed by more than 4 and fewer than 22; and a negotiated fee if fewer than 4 players, minimum $10 if 2-4 players, minimum $20, of one player. For club auction: after cost or item and 9% royalty, players receive 35% of team-based items, 65% of milestone/individual awards or a negotiated fee that can be product. Payment 30 days from signing. Royalty with PA program payment.
Premiership teams: AFL, PA, and club and player reps will meet with final 4 to determine product range, time commitments and financials of program. Players will be educated about not signing product other than under guidelines and asked to sign declaration that they will not sign unlicensed products. Once a team wins the GF, there will be a 2-hour signing session with a 45 minute signing limit per player.
Players shall not sign any item that is not accompanied with a PA declaration form and sign in presence of a PA representative.
38. Grievance Procedure
Any player who has a grievance should notify the PA as soon as possible.
If a player has a grievance with his club, he must first raise it with the club’s Football Manager. The Football Manager must meet to try to resolve the grievance within 7 days. The player’s agent may represent him. A player may ask the PA to act if he feels that he cannot raise the matter with the football manager himself.
If the matter is not resolved within 14 days of submitting it to the Football Manager, the player may refer it to the PA and the GM/CEO of his club for further discussions. His agent may remain involved. The PA and club GM/CEO are to discuss the matter within 7 days.
If the grievance is not resolved at the club level, it should be referred to the AFL General Counsel and the PA CEO, who shall meet within 7 days to discuss it. The agent may attend the meeting. The referral must state the contractual/legal basis for the claim, the relevant facts and the remedy sought. The other party must respond 2 days prior to the meeting.
If the matter is still unresolved, it can be referred to the grievance tribunal.
If the meetings do not take place within the required number of days, the player may elevate the grievance to the next step.
