Netball Agreement Finalised For ANZ Championship

Players Agreement Finalised for ANZ Championship

New Zealand Netball Players' Association (NZNPA) and ANZ Championship recently announceda two-year agreement for players participating in New Zealand teams in the ANZ Championship.

ANZ Championship General Manager Tony Holding says that the agreement reflects the semi-professional nature of the ANZ Championship and encompasses player payments and eligibility along with strong focus on player welfare.

"This has been a robust process which has ended up being beneficial for the players, franchises and the ANZ Championship. We are pleased to achieve yet another key milestone in the implementation of the new exciting competition and believe it takes some great steps forward," Holding said.

New Zealand Netball Players' Association Manager Tim Lythe says the players' are delighted to have finalised such a comprehensive agreement that will allow Franchises to take the next steps in player recruitment.

"While Franchises have been able to approach players to discuss their availability, the agreement means that teams can now actively recruit players and finalise their line-ups for the ANZ Championship," Lythe said.

Although discussions will continue through the Christmas season, Franchises will formally begin contracting players on 8 January 2008.

The minimum guaranteed retainer is $12,000 per year with each team required to spend $300,000 in retainers across their 12 contracted players. Players can also receive other incentives and Franchises can offer or arrange genuine employment for players and players can receive personal sponsorships.

The agreed eligibility rule means each team may have one New Zealand citizen not eligible to play for New Zealand. They can make a further application for one additional New Zealand citizen not eligible to play for New Zealand OR one import by application.

Teams may begin pre-season training from 15 January with the competition proper to begin in early April finishing in August.

The Memorandum of Understanding has been prepared and will now be drafted into a full collective agreement, which will be subject to a full ratification process.

The ANZ Championship starts in April 2008 with all 69 games televised live on SKY Sport.

ENDS

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