TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
But can they afford the boots, mouth guard, shorts, socks + the increased insurance fee. It is not like rugby has ever been free to play - it just got dearer and a lot of us are concerned as to where the breaking point is. I admit,I don't actually know I am just concerned. Personally, I accept that there has to be some increase - for me it is a matter of how it is being applied and justified (and the very poor process of consultation and implementation).
I do believe there is a lack of equity and lack of flexibility in the up front, individual fee structure. I have seen it referred to as a 'user pays' system - but in my view it is the opposite. Our juniors play a condensed season as we simply wouldn't get the players during league season. Our u17s may only play 5-6 games, but even such a short season has helped created a link between the juniors and our seniors. This scheme proposes that they pay the same as a junior playing in a full 10 - 15 game season.
Likewise, a user pay system would allow flexibility for a senior player the pay according the actually number of times he takes the field - not pay in full up front before he has set foot on the field.
I hope you are right Fat Prop and that I am jumping at shadows but I am already aware of a number of senior players who have said they are changing codes or just not playing due to the increases. I understand at least 2 of our rival clubs are looking at pulling out of reserve grade in our comp due to player loss and one club has apparently stated they will fold.
One top of that, I've heard through the grape vine that the Longreach and Mount Isa comps will cease - hopefully just idle threats, but we will see soon enough. Hopefully your cynicism is well placed.
I do believe there is a lack of equity and lack of flexibility in the up front, individual fee structure. I have seen it referred to as a 'user pays' system - but in my view it is the opposite. Our juniors play a condensed season as we simply wouldn't get the players during league season. Our u17s may only play 5-6 games, but even such a short season has helped created a link between the juniors and our seniors. This scheme proposes that they pay the same as a junior playing in a full 10 - 15 game season.
Likewise, a user pay system would allow flexibility for a senior player the pay according the actually number of times he takes the field - not pay in full up front before he has set foot on the field.
I hope you are right Fat Prop and that I am jumping at shadows but I am already aware of a number of senior players who have said they are changing codes or just not playing due to the increases. I understand at least 2 of our rival clubs are looking at pulling out of reserve grade in our comp due to player loss and one club has apparently stated they will fold.
One top of that, I've heard through the grape vine that the Longreach and Mount Isa comps will cease - hopefully just idle threats, but we will see soon enough. Hopefully your cynicism is well placed.