SCHEDULE YOUR BONUS Advice for players to get agreements in writing


Stuart Lovell, Player Liaison at PFA Scotland has regular dialogue with players from all over the country and throughout all the leagues. Here he reflects upon what has been an increasingly common issue for players. “In recent seasons, PFA Scotland has been called upon on any number of occasions to assist players regarding the late payment or non-payment of bonuses. There seems to be a misconception amongst players that once you have verbally agreed a bonus structure for the upcoming campaign the club is duty-bound to honour it. In actual fact, this couldn’t be further from the truth.” Some recent examples of the problems players have encountered are as follows;


1. 1st Team squad accepted club’s proposal to defer league bonuses until end of season, but with no specific payment date – bonuses not paid until Sept/Oct the following season. 2. Club + players verbally agreed lump sum promotion bonus (pro rata) - certain players received bonus, others who subsequently left the club were paid nothing. 3. Players agreed to defer cup bonuses until club knocked out of competition – no bonus forthcoming at end of season, club eventually paid 10 months late.


4. Cup Final bonus due in June, but nothing agreed in writing – players paid at different times, some up to 6 months late. 5. End of season bonus proposed by club linked to finishing position – figure subsequently reduced due to ‘outside influences’. 6. Players chose to negotiate cup bonus on a round-by- round basis – club opted to pay a higher bonus in the semi- final than the final.


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“As a Players Union, we want our members to recognise the importance of agreeing league and cup bonuses prior to the commencement of the season.


The main advantage of getting a bonus schedule in writing is that once it has been signed by all the players it effectively becomes an extension of their contract.


Late payment or non-payment of bonuses would then be seen as a fundamental breach of contract meaning the process to seek remuneration is much more straightforward.”


• 1. On return to pre-season, players nominate small group of senior pros to negotiate on behalf of squad. • 2. Group discuss fair + realistic bonus schedule for coming season. • 3. Two spokesmen from group meet with appropriate person(s) at club to propose figures. • 4. Once agreement has been reached two spokesmen approve bonus with rest of squad. • 5. Bonus schedule drawn up by club and signed by each playing member.


“Particular attention should be given to payment dates, i.e. if a bonus is due at the end of the season, specify which month(s) it will be paid. If opting to negotiate cup bonuses ad hoc, players should ensure that each bonus cannot be less than the previous round. Given the current financial climate, we would strongly recommend that players ensure they have a written bonus schedule in place before a ball is kicked. That way, their contractual position is protected.”


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