GRIEVANCES

When a player has a dispute with his club, the AFLPA can file either a non-injury or an injury grievance, as described in the AFL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).  When an incident occurs, a player should go to their team’s Player Representative to try to resolve the matter with club management.  If the matter cannot be resolved quickly, the player should promptly contact James Guidry at the AFLPA office in Washington, D.C., to discuss the possibility of filing a grievance.

Non-injury grievances must be initiated in writing within 55 days from the date the initiating party knew the incident occurred.  If the grievance cannot be resolved by the AFLPA, an arbitration hearing may take place on the alleged violations, and an Arbitrator makes findings and awards appropriate relief, which may include damages and interest. 

An injury grievance is a dispute regarding whether a player:
     - Should/should not have been on Injured Reserve;
     - Should/should not have been on his team’s Reserve List due to injury, and/or;
     - Did/did not suffer an injury in pre-season for which he would be eligible for continuing insurance pursuant to the CBA.

Injury grievances must be presented in writing within 25 days from the date the player knew the facts upon which the grievance is based.  A neutral physician makes a final decision on all medical issues, and awards may include lost salary and medical care resulting from the injury.

As soon as a player believes an incident may be in violation of the CBA, he should speak with his Player Rep and call James Guidry at the AFLPA at 1-800-372-2000.