Non-league players from the South West and beyond have slammed changes to players' contracts that will make it easier for clubs to lay off those with injuries or illnesses.
The changes, led by the Football Association, come into effect on July 1 and affect players in the three divisions of the National League and will guarantee players with injuries or illness full pay for just 12 weeks in the National League top tier or six weeks in the North and South divisions before being reduced to the statutory sick pay rate of £99.35 per week – unless the club decides to continue paying in full.
Under the current rules, injured players are paid in full for the duration of their contract unless they suffer a "permanent incapacity" established by an independent medical examination, under which they are given notice. However, the new regulations will enable clubs to terminate contracts at just three months' notice and the benchmark for doing so has been reduced from a "permanent incapacity" to a "long-term" injury that will prevent them from playing for four months or more, and this can be decided by a club medic rather than an independent one.
As a result, clubs will have the power to effectively sack players with a payoff of three months' wages if they suffer a relatively common significant injury such as a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which could sideline players for around a year, leaving them without the financial security their contracts have provided under the current rules.
Many players in the National League structure are full-time, meaning a sudden loss of employment coupled with an inability to work due to injury could have huge financial ramifications.
The changes have been criticised by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), although it does not officially represent players beneath the EFL, and many players have expressed their anger at the proposals. A spokesman said: "Unfortunately, we believe that the new Non-League contract represents a reduction in player rights and so it is important that players understand these changes and what they might mean for their rights from next season."
Yeovil Town captain Josh Staunton tweeted: "We currently have 20 of the National League’s captains in contact with one another representing our teammates in hope of getting this matter resolved, allowing players to step foot onto the pitch next year without having to worry the risk of injury could financially cripple them."
Weston-super-Mare striker Marlon Jackson is hopeful of playing in the National League South next year with the Seagulls atop the Southern League table. A part-time player, he works in insurance and he has received a significant increase in inquiries from concerned players.
"Since the news regarding major changes to players' contracts in the National League have been announced, I have received countless calls and messages from players worried about how they will cope financially," he said. "The importance of protecting yourself your family and career financially has never been more important."
Bristol Rovers legend Chris Lines, now of Bath City, also juggles work in insurance with his playing duties for Romans. He described the changes as "awful" for players.
Oldham Athletic defender Peter Clarke, who sits on the PFA board as he is on loan from League Two club Walsall, suggested players could strike in protest of the contract changes.
He told the Press Association: "A strike sounds very drastic. Is it something we want? I don’t think so. Is it something the FA want? I don’t think so either. But is it something that may happen? Quite possibly.
“I think all options have got to be explored. Hopefully, the FA and the captain’s group can work this out as amicably as possible. But there have been times when strikes have been necessary
“Mid-to-long term injuries have various impacts, there’s a physical aspect, there’s an emotional aspect because they live for playing games and undoubtedly it’s going to have an affect on individuals mentally. We don’t want an added worry that you’re not going to be able to pay bills, that you’re not going to be able to make a mortgage payment.
“The knock-on of this could be catastrophic. If they get a long-term injury players could lose their homes. That’s unacceptable.”
The FA has received widespread criticism since the changes were announced. Its spokesman said: "We have updated the standard form Non-League contract following a period of consultation with the relevant stakeholders in the game. It has been introduced in order to better reflect current employment legislation, and to help balance the interests of both clubs and players.
"Under the new contract, it remains the case that clubs and players can agree for the player to receive the full basic wage during the period of any injury. We have now also introduced a minimum amount of time during which the player must be paid his full basic wage if they are sick or injured, which is dependent on the step of the National League System in which the club plays.
"This change establishes a new layer of protection for players when compared to the previous version of the contract."
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