ARU Considering Player Transfer Window

[Richo]

The NBA has very strict windows for negotiating contracts and tightly regulated tampering rules. The difference, though, is that almost no basketball player wants to play in any other league, which means that conflicts with the European schedule, etc. don't weaken the regulations.

It should also be noted that FIFA and football in general have a different governance structure to rugby.

 

[fatprop]

The NBA has very strict windows for negotiating contracts and tightly regulated tampering rules. The difference, though, is that almost no basketball player wants to play in any other league, which means that conflicts with the European schedule, etc. don't weaken the regulations.

It should also be noted that FIFA and football in general have a different governance structure to rugby.

Yeah, not possible without IRB and all the major comps unanimous agreement, so no chance in hell.

 

[Richo]

Yeah, not possible without IRB and all the major comps unanimous agreement, so no chance in hell.

More succinctly put. Yes.

 

[RedsHappy]

Yeah, not possible without IRB and all the major comps unanimous agreement, so no chance in hell.

Haha - just determined on this issue, eh?, no room for creative thinking? The status quo will never change - sounds like old home week in Australian rugby to me. Comforting.

But I don't agree that the Europe-related issues are necessarily insuperable in this context.

One, players leaving for Europe are not leaving for competitor S15 franchises so the only destabilizing impact is that of a departing player, not the high emotion and other issues for the existing and new teams of a zero sum game within the S15. So a different transfer window timing could potentially be arranged for players departing outside the S15 group. And, two, conceivably this could be enforced locally only with the simple edict from the ARU: 'breach this non-S15-teams transfer window if you want, but if you do, you'll never be readmitted to Aus rugby should you want to return.'

Anyway, it's just a valid code-improving concept overall that numerous other codes in other countries have found both necessary and constructive and have persisted with it as its value's been proven.

 

[Richo]

Just because it's a new idea doesn't make it a good one. Nor does it make those who don't like it proponents of the status quo.

 

[Melbourne Terrace]

pointless without the IRB getting involved for a global window.

 

[fatprop]

Haha - just determined on this issue, eh?,

Realistic, and I don't see it as a problem

no room for creative thinking? The status quo will never change - sounds like old home week in Australian rugby to me. Comforting.

Well isn't that a matter of opinion? To me, it is a not very well thought out idea, just a knee jerk reaction to throw more regulation to limit players rights.

But I don't agree that the Europe-related issues are necessarily insuperable in this context.

One, players leaving for Europe are not leaving for competitor S15 franchises so the only destabilizing impact is that of a departing player, not the high emotion and other issues for the existing and new teams of a zero sum game within the S15. So a different transfer window timing could potentially be arranged for players departing outside the S15 group. And, two, conceivably this could be enforced locally only with the simple edict from the ARU: 'breach this non-S15-teams transfer window if you want, but if you do, you'll never be readmitted to Aus rugby should you want to return.'

I do believe that the foreign comps are crucial in this context. The market for a professional rugby player isn't the Aus Super 15 franchises, but all the professional comps of the world.

The French may want a decision in August, that decision may not/should not just be between a French club or their current franchise, but other franchises as well. So how would that work? Could another franchises give him an offer or are they taken out of it as they wait for their own window? Does the player take the guaranteed offer today or wait for the S15 offer in their window?

It is also philosophical to me, a rugby player should be able to market his "goods" when and where he chooses and do what is best for him - as would any contractor. When their contract is coming to an end they should have every right to look for their new contract, look to the market to confirm their value and take a new opportunity if he chooses. They deserve the right to to grab the new contract when it is offered and ensure some certainty for themselves.

 

[Linebacker_41]

Personally I dont see the problem. Yes the media beat the stories up (or invent them) but at least we are getting some time in the paper. I imagine it would be even worse in Melbourne and Perth.

Players are used to the fact that this stuff happens mid-season. But hell they can chose to negotiate over the Christmas break with the states and Europe/Japan if they really want to.

Why fix everyone to a timeline?

If players cant handle playing and negotiating their future then do the deal earlier. If they can then fine.

 

[Braveheart81]

I guess to look at what happened if you did have an anti-tampering period and players weren't allowed to negotiate on their contracts until the end of the season, how do you think it would have gone for the Reds this season?

After winning the comp and having a bunch of players off contract and a host of names knowing they were worth big dollars, they would have clearly known that not all of them would have been able to stay at the Reds for the money they were worth.

Surely player anxiety and how much off field issues were influencing their thinking would be far greater if they were unsure about what they were doing next season for the entirety of the season. Players would know that European options would end up closed to them (which for most would be a last resort).

Whilst negotiating new contracts and players announcing they are switching teams definitely has some impact, surely the sooner it is resolved, the better it is for the players. Take Kurtley Beale announcing he was going to the Rebels last season. It was a massive shock to everyone, but after that he finished the season playing absolutely fantastic football for the Tahs.

I think they are all professionals and can perform for a team even after they have announced they are leaving. I think trying to force people to wait longer to confirm how they will be earning a living next year would only make things worse.

Besides all that, I don't think this sort of system can work in the real world. I think the current situation is better than one where players can move midseason and start playing for a new team immediately.