Kiwis start recruiting for netball
New Zealand franchises in the new trans-Tasman netball competition will begin to recruit players after officials agreed terms on payments and eligibility.
New Zealand Netball Players' Association (NZNPA) and the ANZ Championship announced a two-year agreement for players participating in New Zealand teams in the ANZ Championship, starting in April.
Player recruitment for the five New Zealand teams had been held up as officials wrangled over the finer points of an agreement.
Although discussions will continue through the Christmas period, franchises will formally begin contracting players on January 8.
The minimum guaranteed retainer is $NZ12,000 ($A10,575) per year with each team required to spend $300,000 in retainers across their 12 contracted players.
Players can also receive other incentives, franchises can offer or arrange genuine employment for players and players can receive personal sponsorships.
The agreed eligibility rule means each team may have one New Zealand citizen not eligible to play for New Zealand.
They can make a further application for one additional New Zealand citizen not eligible to play for New Zealand or one import by application.
Championship general manager Tony Holding said the agreement reflected the semi-professional nature of the championship and encompassed player payments and eligibility along with strong focus on player welfare.
"This has been a robust process which has ended up being beneficial for the players, franchises and the ANZ Championship," Holding said.
"We are pleased to achieve yet another key milestone in the implementation of the new exciting competition and believe it takes some great steps forward."
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