Each week AFLPA.com.au will outline how the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is implemented and work to bust the myths around its operation.

The CBA is the legally binding agreement between the AFL and the AFL Players’ Association that administers the relationship between the AFL, clubs and players. In general the CBA covers key workplace issues such as total player payments (TPP), minimum base salary and match payments, playing lists, leave, breaks between matches, use of player image and grievance procedures. Should you wish to find out more about the CBA you can submit a question via email to bradenstokes@aflpa.com.au

Click on the following items to find out more about the CBA:

1. CBA – Term & Review
2. TTP – Total Player Payments & Salary Cap
3. Draft
4. Long Term Injury List & Injury Payments
5. Veterans List
6. Playing Lists
7. Testimonials
8. Termination
9. Additional Service Agreements
10. Standard Playing Contracts
11. Game Development and Promotion
12. Player Image Licensing and Marketing
13. Player’s Tools of Trade
14. Player Education, Training, Welfare and Retirement
15. AFL Player Apprenticeship
16. Accredited Agents
17. Code of Conduct
18. Safe Working Environment
19. Match Tickets & Grand Final
20. Grievance Procedure
21. Medical Records
22. Working Parties
23. International Rules
24. Premiership and Finals Prizemoney
25. Preseason
26. Medical Examination

1. CBA - Term & Review

What is the current term of the CBA and can it be terminated before its expiry date?

The current CBA will run for a period of five years between 1 November 2006 until 31 October 2011. The agreement will continue to apply after this date until a new agreement is struck between the AFL and the AFLPA. However if both the AFL and AFLPA cannot negotiate a new agreement by 30 June 2011 or a later agreed date, either party may give 30 days notice to terminate the existing agreement provided this notice doesn’t take effect before 1 November 2011.

Is the CBA reviewed during its term?

Yes. The AFL and AFLPA will meet on or before 1 February 2009 to determine whether any aspects of the agreement need to be varied. Terms of the agreement can be modified on the following basis: 

• Both parties agree a particular clause needs to be altered
• Due to circumstances that were not known at the time the agreement was struck
• That the continuation of the agreement doesn’t reflect the initial intentions of the parties when the agreement was established

If the parties cannot reach agreement on any suggested changes there are avenues for mediation and conciliation. Further, there is the opportunity for a dispute on certain matters to be decided upon by an independent body. Such areas that are up for review in 2009 include leave periods, player appearances and the form and content of the standard playing contract.


2. Total Player Payments & Salary Cap

What is the salary cap? Why have a cap?

The salary cap or Total Player Payments (TPP) is the total amount a club can spend on players on the playing list of the club. The cap is in place to assist in maintaining a competitive balance across the league, preventing more wealthy clubs from stockpiling the best talent. The 2010 salary cap is listed at $7,950,000, an increase of 3.2% on 2009. The final year of the agreement, 2011, will see the cap rise to $8,212,500. The total TTP across the competition for 2010 is set at a maximum $127.2 million across 16 clubs.

What is not counted when calculating TPP?

• Relocation expenses paid to First Year draft choice Players, Rookies or other Players required to relocate and First Year draft choice Players and Rookies who are delisted within the first two years
• Air fares for visiting parents and taxi fares (to attend training, matches & functions) for a players under 18 which are paid by the club
• Bereavement assistance (up to $2000)
• A percentage of football payments made to a player(s) on the Veterans List
• Football payments to a rookie list player promoted to replace a player on the long term injury list
• Payments made under Additional Service Agreements to players (and associates)
• Testimonial payments
• Match payments for AFL Finals Series Matches
• Airfares and accommodation expenses for one person per player playing in the Grand Final
• 50% of football payments made to nominated rookie list players
• Premiership prize money
• Top 5 draft pick recognition payment

Are there minimum salaries?

Yes. Each club shall pay a player that does not fall into the categories below a minimum base payment each year along with a minimum match payment for AFL matches. Those players exempt from this include:

• A first year draft choice (e.g. Tom Scully)
• A second year player (e.g. Jack Ziebell)
• A rookie list player (e.g. Majak Daw)
• A player promoted from the rookie list (e.g. Zac Dawson/Shane Mumford in 2009)

2010: Base Salary $64,700, Senior Match Payment $2,800
2011: Base Salary $66,900, Senior Match Payment $2,900

This minimum base payment also includes the superannuation contribution and payment for pre-season matches.

What is the length of contract for a first year player?

First year draft choices sign a minimum two year deal with their club that outlines the maximum payments for this period.  However players that have been previously listed at another club or are over the age of 23 by the 31 December in the year they are drafted aren’t bound by this regulation.

While first year players sign a deal for a minimum of two years, the length of the contract is not guaranteed and they can be delisted at the end of their first season. 

What can a first year player earn?

The salary of a first year player is determined by the position they are selected in the draft and also the number of games they play in their debut year.  What draft they are selected in (national, preseason or rookie) also is a factor in determining their salary structure.  First year players receive a base salary and match payments for every AFL game they play during the season. 

2010  
First Round - $57,300 base, $2,800 match payment
Second Round - $52,000 base, $2,800 match payment
Third, remaining rounds & preseason draft - $49,400 base, $2,800 match payment

2011 
First Round - $59,200 base, $2,900 match payment
Second Round - $53,800 base, $2,900 match payment
Third, remaining rounds & preseason draft - $51,000 base, $2,900 match payment

A bonus system is used to reward first year players who play a certain amount of senior games in their first year and is structured as follows:

2010
First, Second, Third, Remaining rounds and Preseason Draft:
1-5 games $2,650
6-10 games $2,650
11+ games $2,650
Max Bonus $7,950

2011
First, Second, Third, Remaining rounds and Preseason Draft:
1-5 games $2,700
6-10 games $2,700
11+ games $2,700
Max Bonus $8,100

The listed base salaries include the superannuation contribution and payments for pre-season matches.  The figures however do not include amounts that may be paid to a player for items such as:

- relocation expenses and living allowances
- bereavement assistance up to $2,000
- incentive bonus for a top ten finish in the club best and fairest

Does the pay structure change for second year players?

Yes.  As all first year players sign a minimum two year contract upon been drafted their payments for the second year are prescribed based on the amount of games they play in their first season.

For 2010 the salary structure for second year players is as follows:

2009 1^st round pick
No games in 2009: $58,500 base, $3,300 match payment
1-5 games: $61,200 base, $3,100 match payment
6-10 games: $64,400 base, $3,100 match payment
11-15 games: $69,600 base, $4,100 match payment
16+ games: $75,200 base, $4,100 match payment

2009 2^nd round pick
No games in 2009: $53,100 base, $3,000 match payment
1-5 games: $55,600 base, $3,100 match payment
6-10 games: $58,100 base, $3,400 match payment
11-15 games: $63,100 base, $4,100 match payment
16+ games: $68,100 base, $4,100 match payment

2009 3^rd round pick, remaining rounds & Preseason Draft
No games in 2009: $50,300 base, $3,000 match payment
1-5 games: $52,700 base, $3,100 match payment
6-10 games: $55,100 base, $3,400 match payment
11-15 games: $59,800 base, $4,100 match payment
16+ games: $64,700 base, $4,100 match payment

Are the top 5 draft picks rewarded for their selection?

Yes.  The AFL will pay the top 5 draft picks the following amounts:

Pick 1 - $10,000
Pick 2 - $5,000
Pick 3 - $5,000
Pick 4 - $2,500
Pick 5 - $2,500

Players who receive these payments are required to assist with the promotion of the game during their first year in the system.

When are players paid?

Players receive their salary via two means.  Firstly their base payment is paid via 12 monthly installments throughout the year and their Senior Match Payments are to be paid by the 15^th day of each month for matches played in the preceding month.

All bonus and incentive payments must be paid by no later than the 31^st October in the year they are earned.

3. Draft 

4. Long Term Injury List & Injury Payments 

5. Veterans List
 
6. Playing Lists 

7. Testimonials 

8. Termination
 
9. Additional Service Agreements
 
10. Standard Playing Contracts
 
11. Game Development and Promotion
 
12. Player Image Licensing and Marketing 

13. Player’s Tools of Trade
 
14. Player Education, Training, Welfare and Retirement 

15. AFL Player Apprenticeship
 
16. Accredited Agents 

Who can negotiate contracts for a player?

Not just anyone. The only people allowed to negotiate a playing contract or an ASA with a club is either the player themselves, a parent or legal guardian or an accredited agent. The AFLPA coordinates the agent accreditation program that ensures all agents have an appropriate level of experience, training and qualifications along with an understanding of the relevant rules and regulations (e.g. CBA, code of conduct etc)

To find out more about the accredited agents program click here

What other tools regulate the system between players and agents? 

The AFLPA introduced the Standard Agent Agreement to ensure greater transparency between agents, current players and prospective players at the beginning of 2008. 

This legal document provides both parties with security and a structured outline of the agreement between agent and player. Click here to view the Standard Agent Agreement.

17. Code of Conduct

18. Safe Working Environment
 
19. Match Tickets & Grand Final
 
20. Grievance Procedure
 
21. Medical Records
 
22. Working Parties
 
23. International Rules
 
24. Premiership and Finals Prizemoney
 
25. Preseason
 
26. Medical Examination