SnowDragon
Juniors
- Messages
- 792
Hi all,
We have a problem with game image and the way the game punishes misbehaviour. Please read the following and comment.
New system for penalising unwanted player behaviour
Infringements need to be penalised for many reasons, including i) Punishment, ii) Deterrent and to iii) Protect the image of the Game. Currently there are significant problems with the system in place, including but not limited to:
• Number and types of activities are hurting the games image, and the current penalties system seems inconsistent /Inadequate to deal with this
• Consistency issues between offences (between clubs, stars v average players etc.)
• Hiding problems to protect key assets (players)
• A punished player just moves to a new club (or code)
• Who is punished? (clubs and fans can be the punished entity, e.g. JDB case. He got paid at least, Dragons…)
The following solution is thought out by myself, and is far from complete. The aim is to improve the image of the game, as well as restrict punishment to those who do wrong. Implementation would require agreement of the players association, and legally may be limited to new contracts.
1st Draft of a Suggested Solution
1. Infringements should be categorised as;
a. A infringements - Player discipline (e.g. late to training, not meeting internal goals etc.) Handled by the clubs alone.
b. B infringements - Bringing the game into disrepute (broad term which must be defined, but including all legal matters, convicted or not).
i. Implemented by the NRL (integrity unit?).
ii. Clubs would have a contractual responsibility to report any potential issues they are aware of.
iii. A player who self-reports may have a reduced fine.
iv. Non-legal matters could be held as confidential if not in the public domain. (infringement would stand, but not be made public)
2. Fines for infringements
a. A infringements are handled by the club.
b. B infringements – Money to a “NRL Values Fund”
3. Re-define Salaries for all players. A healthy game leads to increased salaries for players, and the players association has indicated they want to be part of the game. Also, players typically receive a much higher proportion of their lifes earnings at the beginning of their life.
a. It is suggested that a 20% bond is included each year for a players salary. This bond is only paid out when the player retires. (Thus a well behaved retiring player gets 20% of all earnings for their entire career).
b. Any B infringements are lost to the “NRL Values Fund”
c. B infringements can be a set amount, but generally would be a % of earnings. A player convicted of premeditated murder would say loose the entire 20%, whearas a relatively minor offence may get a small set fine (say $5k)
d. A convicted player who say lost 10% of salary, who returns to the game (after legally serving his time) would have that 10% taken from all future earnings (Past Indiscretion Penalty or PIP)
i. a new 20% bond is put in place on future earnings after the 10% removal. The player can be rehabilitated, but there is an additional cost.
ii. Reduction/removal of the PIP could be achieved thru positive actions, but this should be difficult and long term actions that show not only rehabilitation but some type of positive community effect that results in improved image of the game.
4. NRL Values Fund
a. Should be managed independently of NRL or Clubs (those who fine should be fully separated by those who use the funds)
b. Funds should be there to support victims of NRL player crimes AND critically injured players and their families AND designated charities
5. Penalties of should be upheld by all clubs, unless a player is able to convince a hearing that the penalty is not commensurate with the infraction.
a. The hearing should include a representative of the old and new clubs and the NRL integrity unit. This not only means the information is shared between those groups, but also hopefully allows a fair result.
b. This stops a player just changing clubs to avoid repercussions, and avoids clubs getting advantage from clubs that crack down on player behaviour.
6. Other codes / leagues
Clearly the NRL cannot impose penalties outside of the NRL itself. However, it could work with e.g. English super league, International RL, ARU etc. to try to get cross code/league agreements in place. For the NRL to drive such would be a positive image for the game.
We have a problem with game image and the way the game punishes misbehaviour. Please read the following and comment.
New system for penalising unwanted player behaviour
Infringements need to be penalised for many reasons, including i) Punishment, ii) Deterrent and to iii) Protect the image of the Game. Currently there are significant problems with the system in place, including but not limited to:
• Number and types of activities are hurting the games image, and the current penalties system seems inconsistent /Inadequate to deal with this
• Consistency issues between offences (between clubs, stars v average players etc.)
• Hiding problems to protect key assets (players)
• A punished player just moves to a new club (or code)
• Who is punished? (clubs and fans can be the punished entity, e.g. JDB case. He got paid at least, Dragons…)
The following solution is thought out by myself, and is far from complete. The aim is to improve the image of the game, as well as restrict punishment to those who do wrong. Implementation would require agreement of the players association, and legally may be limited to new contracts.
1st Draft of a Suggested Solution
1. Infringements should be categorised as;
a. A infringements - Player discipline (e.g. late to training, not meeting internal goals etc.) Handled by the clubs alone.
b. B infringements - Bringing the game into disrepute (broad term which must be defined, but including all legal matters, convicted or not).
i. Implemented by the NRL (integrity unit?).
ii. Clubs would have a contractual responsibility to report any potential issues they are aware of.
iii. A player who self-reports may have a reduced fine.
iv. Non-legal matters could be held as confidential if not in the public domain. (infringement would stand, but not be made public)
2. Fines for infringements
a. A infringements are handled by the club.
b. B infringements – Money to a “NRL Values Fund”
3. Re-define Salaries for all players. A healthy game leads to increased salaries for players, and the players association has indicated they want to be part of the game. Also, players typically receive a much higher proportion of their lifes earnings at the beginning of their life.
a. It is suggested that a 20% bond is included each year for a players salary. This bond is only paid out when the player retires. (Thus a well behaved retiring player gets 20% of all earnings for their entire career).
b. Any B infringements are lost to the “NRL Values Fund”
c. B infringements can be a set amount, but generally would be a % of earnings. A player convicted of premeditated murder would say loose the entire 20%, whearas a relatively minor offence may get a small set fine (say $5k)
d. A convicted player who say lost 10% of salary, who returns to the game (after legally serving his time) would have that 10% taken from all future earnings (Past Indiscretion Penalty or PIP)
i. a new 20% bond is put in place on future earnings after the 10% removal. The player can be rehabilitated, but there is an additional cost.
ii. Reduction/removal of the PIP could be achieved thru positive actions, but this should be difficult and long term actions that show not only rehabilitation but some type of positive community effect that results in improved image of the game.
4. NRL Values Fund
a. Should be managed independently of NRL or Clubs (those who fine should be fully separated by those who use the funds)
b. Funds should be there to support victims of NRL player crimes AND critically injured players and their families AND designated charities
5. Penalties of should be upheld by all clubs, unless a player is able to convince a hearing that the penalty is not commensurate with the infraction.
a. The hearing should include a representative of the old and new clubs and the NRL integrity unit. This not only means the information is shared between those groups, but also hopefully allows a fair result.
b. This stops a player just changing clubs to avoid repercussions, and avoids clubs getting advantage from clubs that crack down on player behaviour.
6. Other codes / leagues
Clearly the NRL cannot impose penalties outside of the NRL itself. However, it could work with e.g. English super league, International RL, ARU etc. to try to get cross code/league agreements in place. For the NRL to drive such would be a positive image for the game.
