Football league bosses back decision to cut this year’s salary cap to zero
Check out what local football league bosses have to say about a landmark SANFL community football decision to ban player payments in 2020.
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Local football leagues are strongly backing a SANFL decision to scrap player payments for 2020.
They say the decision will help ease the financial burden on clubs as they aim to get competitions on track post the COVID-19 shutdown.
A SANFL survey found 83 per cent of leagues preferred not to pay players, for this coming season only.
But the SANFL gave the green light for clubs to pay a travel allowance to players who drive more than 100km for a game.
Under the agreement, clubs can also pay players up to $600 for post-match awards.
Hills Football League president Don Cranwell said there was strong support among clubs for the non-payment directive.
“We have 19 clubs in our league and most were right behind the non payments,’’ Cranwell said.
“Finances are going to be tough, especially for the smaller clubs, and in particular if the issue of crowds is not eased.
“I think this is a good step for now and hopefully as we go on there will be clearer advice about the crowds and how many people we can have at games.’’
The Hills comp was set to begin on Saturday July 4, with a grand final planned for no later than October 10.
The Adelaide Footy League’s opening round is scheduled for July 4.
But that start date was subject to change and still rested on key restrictions being lifted, including crowd numbers and food and beverage trade.
League chief executive John Kernahan also supported the SANFL’s directive.
“COVID-19 has presented many challenges and club sustainability for not only season 2020 is at the highest of our priorities,’’ Kernahan said.
“We have been overwhelmingly buoyed by the level of diligence our own clubs have demonstrated in ensuring their clubs remain viable.
“However, we are also conscious that the financial considerations as a result of COVID-19 need to be considered well past season 2020.’’
Southern Football League president Craig Warman said the non-payments for players for 2020 was sensible.
“This is where clubs can get into trouble (paying players) with their finances,’’ Warman said.
“Most of our clubs agreed to the SANFl directive.”
Great Southern Football League president Terry Corcoran said the decision was likely could get some players off-side but it would be beneficial long term.
“We have been pushing for non-payments for 2020 for a while,’’ Corcoran said.
“Some clubs could lose a player or two over it but we felt it is the best thing for our league.”
The GSFL plans to kick off games on July 11, and culminate with a flag decider on October 3.
Barossa Light and Gawler Football Association president Mick Brien was also pleased with the SANFL’s decision.
More details surrounding crowds being allowed into games is likely to come out of the football leagues’ next meeting on Tuesday, June 9.