Compensation System Improved when Players Move Clubs
An overhaul of the system of compensation when players move between clubs has been carried out by the Rugby Football League (RFL).
The amendments, which come into immediate effect at the end of the current playing, season - mean that out-of-contract players aged 22 or over will be able to move to a new club without any compensation being paid to their previous club.
Prior to this, only players aged 24 or over could move between clubs without compensation being due.
In the case of players who are 22 and under, a tariff system has been introduced which will assist clubs when they seek to agree any fees, which are appropriate. This will involve an assessment of the player's age, current status and career development as well as the terms
of his current contract.
The change is intended to speed up and simplify the process of players moving between clubs.
The amendments mean that more opportunities will be created for young players to develop their careers within Rugby League but at the same time also maintain the opportunity for clubs, which have played a major role in the development of young talent to be appropriately compensated, if such players leave them.
Commenting on the changes, the RFL's Chief Operating Officer Nigel Wood said: 'We believe the improvements to these systems strike a balance between increasing career opportunities for young professional players and providing appropriate levels of compensation for clubs who invest significant time and resources into the development of such playing talent.
'The new tariff system for agreeing an amount of compensation for players under 22 will also make dealings between clubs an easier and a more efficient process. It will also take into account important issues raised by current employment legislation.'
Wood added: 'The current high volume of quality young players emerging from the Academies of professional clubs is a tremendous sign for domestic Rugby League and these changes to the professional playing environment will serve to encourage and sustain such positive trends.'
GUIDANCE NOTES
It is relevant to note that clubs may still seek compensation if players interrupt an existing contract in order to join another club. The most recent example of this is the move of the player Martin Gleeson from St Helens to Warrington Wolves.
The Academy Structure is an element of the RFL's Performance Plan and is supported by Sport England.
For more details contact the Rugby Football League Media Department.
Tel: 0113 244 1114
Fax: 0113 244 1110
E-mail: andrew.whitelam@rfl.uk.com or john.huxley@rfl.uk.com
The amendments, which come into immediate effect at the end of the current playing, season - mean that out-of-contract players aged 22 or over will be able to move to a new club without any compensation being paid to their previous club.
Prior to this, only players aged 24 or over could move between clubs without compensation being due.
In the case of players who are 22 and under, a tariff system has been introduced which will assist clubs when they seek to agree any fees, which are appropriate. This will involve an assessment of the player's age, current status and career development as well as the terms
of his current contract.
The change is intended to speed up and simplify the process of players moving between clubs.
The amendments mean that more opportunities will be created for young players to develop their careers within Rugby League but at the same time also maintain the opportunity for clubs, which have played a major role in the development of young talent to be appropriately compensated, if such players leave them.
Commenting on the changes, the RFL's Chief Operating Officer Nigel Wood said: 'We believe the improvements to these systems strike a balance between increasing career opportunities for young professional players and providing appropriate levels of compensation for clubs who invest significant time and resources into the development of such playing talent.
'The new tariff system for agreeing an amount of compensation for players under 22 will also make dealings between clubs an easier and a more efficient process. It will also take into account important issues raised by current employment legislation.'
Wood added: 'The current high volume of quality young players emerging from the Academies of professional clubs is a tremendous sign for domestic Rugby League and these changes to the professional playing environment will serve to encourage and sustain such positive trends.'
GUIDANCE NOTES
For more details contact the Rugby Football League Media Department.
Tel: 0113 244 1114
Fax: 0113 244 1110
E-mail: andrew.whitelam@rfl.uk.com or john.huxley@rfl.uk.com