The Commerce Commission conference to consider the New Zealand Rugby Football Union's (NZRFU) proposed player transfer arrangements begins at the Quality Hotel, Willis Street, Wellington on Monday November 18.
Commission Chairman Dr Alan Bollard said it is planned that the conference will finish on Tuesday, but time will be made available on Wednesday if necessary. The Commission expects to release its final decision by about December 17.
The NZRFU asked the Commission to authorise the arrangements because as a professional sports organisation it is covered by the same laws as other New Zealand businesses.
If a player, provincial union or anyone else thought the transfer arrangements were anti-competitive and breached the Commerce Act, then they could take court action against them.
An authorisation, if granted, would protect the arrangements from court action under this Act.
To grant an authorisation, the Commission must be satisfied that public benefits from anti-competitive arrangements are greater than detriments.
The Commission released a draft determination last month saying its preliminary view was that, on information then available to it, it would not authorise the arrangements.
The Commission has received 10 submissions on its draft determination and the conference is an opportunity for interested parties to provide further information and for the Commission to ask questions.
Submissions have been received from: NZRFU, Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA), Horowhenua Rugby Football Union, East Coast Rugby Football Union, Northland Rugby Football Union, Canterbury Rugby Football Union and Tradenz. Submissions have also been made on behalf of NZRFU by Brown Copeland and Company, Professor John McMillan and Boston Consulting Group.
Organisations who have chosen to attend the conference are: NZRFU, RUPA and Canterbury RFU.
Media procedure at the conference
Media are welcome to observe and report on presentations. A press bench will be available. If parties ask for confidentiality, the room may be cleared. Legal counsel representing any interested parties may attend confidential sessions if they sign an undertaking not to release the information presented.
Television is welcome to film the conference being set up, the Chairman's introduction and interviews during breaks in the conference. Please do not film during presentations.
Radio - similar to television; you are welcome to record the Chairman's introduction and interviews during breaks. Please do not put microphones on tables to be used by interested parties making presentations.
General conference procedure
Commission conferences are an information gathering exercise. They are not adversarial - interested parties cannot question each other. The Commission will ask questions when it requires clarification or further information.
Media contact: Commerce Act Chief Investigator Geoff Thorn
phone work (04) 498 0956, home (04) 526 4267
Communications Officer Vincent Cholewa
phone work (04) 498 0920, home (04) 479 1432
Both Mr Thorn and Mr Cholewa will be at the conference
