Old Elthamians Future

Rabbie Burns wrote: Couple of issues with above. If the players are paid by the club and the club pays the tax, NI including employers contribution then the players are entitled to the support the government is offering along with anyone employed in a non playing role. I know no one at Blackheath has his rugby money as sole income. We have at Well Hall over the last few years spent over £1m on the pitch, lights and facilities and had Continued with this investment this season so we have possibly spent more on infrastructure than players in recent times. At this time of year we along with most clubs will have a planned maintenance for the pitch to get it ready for next year which will still have to be done and paid for without income but everyone will want it to be in good nick and if it’s not done it will not last the season

SKalpy wrote: MB, I have a 'singing sixpence' that the vast majority of players contracts at level 3 and below are 'pay for play' and would therefore would not be eligible for the 80% pay out. If they are not playing then there is no damage to the  playing budget, which if your club has a self financing semi-pro top end (as my club does) then they will hopefully have a more than healthy budget when we start to play again. My concern is for our paid full time employees and those of a temporary nature, e.g. bar staff and casual catering staff. The amount of revenue that the club (not the 1st XV - they take nowt from the members club) will lose will have our exec scratching their heads for a while, but I have no doubt that in their infinite wisdom they will pull through.

Skalpy no emergency fund should go to pay players. I think you will find a good number of players at level 3, and lower, are on guaranteed monthly retainer payments with in addition a top up match fee. If the clubs correctly put these retainer payments through the HMRC/NI books I would suggest these payments may well come under the new 80% legislation. I am not sure OE's future was looking very rosy before the crisis-I would suggest now they may sadly be in danger of doing a South Leicester.

Actually any player being paid at whatever level SHOULD be through PAYE

Thatbloke wrote: Actually any player being paid at whatever level SHOULD be through PAYE

Should be and are - 2 very different things, however if you are correct then the club should be able to get the 80% of wages under the government scheme

Rabbie Burns wrote: This was my point above. It could also mean the boys at OEs providing they have a valid contract could get some money  for not playing when they couldn’t for playing😃

Westcombe Park are not as local to OEs as they once were.

Dave G/w wrote: It’s a shame they couldn’t help down the road at Sidcup.

They went to OEs - not for the facilities, so they will go where the best offer is.

But what if both OEs and Leeds don’t make the starting line or anyone else for that matter these are tricky times for most