Australian Football League Clubs Can No Longer Monitor Player Workouts Via GPS

Australian Football League clubs "are set to be banned from monitoring players via GPS devices through their pre-season break, as part of a bid to improve work-life balance," according to Jon Pierik of THE AGE. Clubs have used GPS devices to ensure players have maintained their off-season running programs, "even when some have been overseas." The ban will also extend to other work-life areas, including clubs influencing players to attend so-called optional training sessions when, as one player said, "there was nothing optional about them at all." While one club CEO suggested that there was a proposal to fine clubs if they break the rules, it is understood "this will not be the case." Discussions "are continuing over how many weeks' holiday players will have once their season is over." They have a mandated eight weeks, "but this is likely to be extended." As part of this, "players want a clear break, possibly of up to six weeks, without contact from clubs, depending on their circumstances" (THE AGE, 6/25).