GCA clubs can shop with bigger cap space
GCA clubs will have more to spend in their salary cap next summer.
The association has approved a 50 per cent increase, taking the cap to $15,000 for at least the next two seasons.
Player points caps will also be equalised across the competition, with every club over the three divisions given a 40point allocation.
Only GCA1 clubs have been capped at 40 points. GCA2 (42 points) and GCA3
(45) have operated with higher points ceilings.
The move to increase salary caps was mooted before the pandemic but GCA president Rob Vines said it was the right time to give clubs more spending flexibility.
“We think it makes sense to give a little bit of room — but not too much room — for a bit more payment,” Vines said.
“It reflects a bit more market reality but, again, we’re maintaining a prudent sort of view of it by not allowing clubs to get excessive.
“It hadn’t been moved for quite a while and we know the market’s moved a bit in that time.
“It’s hard to get reliable information as to what’s actually happening out there in the market.
“We don’t believe that many clubs are deliberately choosing to breach, and if they are, they’re on notice.
“It’s a reasonable judgment very few clubs would be choosing that path — and it’s risky path if you do choose it.”
The current limit of three paid players per club will be maintained.
The GCA has also removed the need for paid players to undergo Cricket Australia Level 1 coaching.
“What we’re trying to do is not allow clubs to get too excessive with themselves,” Vines said. “We just felt it was probably sensible now to modestly increase the cap but continue to be prudent about it … and continue to keep a restriction of up to three players.
“The salary cap does not apply to a non-playing coach, so clubs can pay a non-playing coach outside the cap — and that’s been the case for a while.”
The move will be locked in for the next two years and reviewed at the end of the 2022-23 season.