The AFL and the AFLPOC, the new players union, have
come to terms on the league's first CBA which "will provide
players with higher base salaries, limited free agency and
health and retirement benefits," according to Mark Singelais
of the Albany TIMES UNION. While both sides "still must
sign the agreement," Singelais noted that AFL team owners
were "satisfied enough" with the CBA that teams began
signing players last Friday. Under terms of the agreement,
players with at least eight years' experience will qualify
for free agency. Firebirds GM Joe Hennessy said that "right
now, that covers only 21 players out of more than 300 ...
but the experience needed may be negotiated down in future
contracts." The league did not have any free agency due to
a reserve clause in the standard player contract. Also
under the deal, all players will receive "year-round full
medical coverage," including the players' families; minimum
base salaries, which used to be $600 per game, will now be
$800 for rookies, $1,000 for second-year players and $1,200
for players with three or more years experience; and teams
will now contribute to a 401(k) plan, though details must
still be worked out (Albany TIMES UNION, 3/11).
