Dear Members,
Congratulations to everyone heading into the playoffs next weekend. As the season concludes, I am sure many of us have begun to think about our next contract. Below, I will outline where to find our contract negotiation tools; such as, the player contract database, the CBA paired with the most recent Term Sheet, the Player handbook, etc. Please note this is the last year of our CBA and it is highly recommended to sign a 1 year deal. Changes will be made to the terms of the CBA and it is difficult to predict what those changes will be and how they could affect you.
Additionally, there will be some information about Regional Attorneys, Expenses and a Sport Leadership Course.
New Contracts
Signing new contracts is an exciting and stressful time, but it is extremely important. Don’t rush to sign anything, do your research and know that time is on your side. Please use the resources the NLLPA has available to ensure that you are being compensated fairly. As the old saying goes, “you don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate.” Compare yourselves to similar players, talk to other players, use them as examples and once again, know that time is on your side right now. If you are ever unsure of something, give me a call before you sign your contract.
Please use the below NLLPA.com login information to look through the ‘Player Login’ resources that are available to you:
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Username: player
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Password: Player2023!!!
*You will need to request access to some of the more sensitive resources*
I have attached the most recent Term-Sheet which needs to be viewed jointly with the CBA. The CBA is currently being drafted STILL, with a key arbitration date set for next month to clear up some disputed language.
Regional Attorneys
The NLLPA would like to reiterate our recommendation for all of you to consider retaining a Regional Attorney (‘RA’) to assist you with your next contract negotiation. It is much easier to have someone advocate on your behalf and it helps avoid awkward conversations with your GM/Coaches. All of our RA’s have been vetted by the NLLPA, they are lawyers and they are ethically bound by their law societies. They are an excellent resource that we encourage you to take advantage of. Additionally, the NLLPA will cover the first $200 USD of a player’s first time using a Regional Attorney.
Please read the Regional Attorney Bio’s on the NLLPA website to learn more. Please reach out if you would like any recommendations.
Expenses
According to the terms of our CBA, players must submit expense reimbursements to their club within 60 days following the player’s final game of the season. You waive your right to reimbursement if you do not submit your expenses within the 60 day period. Once you submit your expenses, your club then has 60 days to reimburse you. Otherwise, they will be assessed a 10% surcharge.
Expense information can be found on page 5 of the Player Handbook or in the CBA for more details.
Sport Leadership Course presented by Royal Roads University
The CFLPA is entering into its 3rd year offering a short custom course delving into Sport Leadership for professional athletes, thanks to Dr. Jennifer Walinga and Royal Roads University. This course has been created to cater to Players Associations across North America, the offering is completely online, and runs twice weekly between April 29 – May 19. This year, the CFLPA in partnership with Royal Roads University, would like to extend up to 4 seats in this custom offering for our Association to delegate in a manner that fits your own goals and growth. Please respond by TOMORROW, April 25th if you would like to register. Listen to Emmanuel Arceneaux on his experience taking the course last year here.
Thank you and good luck to everyone competing in the playoffs,
Reid Reinholdt
Vice President & Executive Director
National Lacrosse League Players Association
P: 604-897-5517