Rule Change: Compensation for Losing Free Agents -- PASSES 17-0

[Flash]

This proposal will change:

Article X--Transactions
Section B- Free Agency
Sub-Section 3- Compensation for losing a FA
Item AX B(3) 1.0

The rule will be amended to include the following components:

For 2017:

1) Only one draft pick as compensation for a Type A free agent;
2) The elimination of Type B free agents;
3) Protection of 1st Round Picks for the top ten teams in the draft;
4) When a team loses a 1st Round pick, the team gaining the pick does not replace that team in the 1st Round.  Instead, the 1st Round is condensed and that pick becomes a part of the Compensation Round between the 1st and 2nd Rounds.  If the pick lost is protected (1-10), then the pick lost is the teams 2nd Round pick, or possibly a Compensation Round pick, whatever is higher.

For 2018:

1: Continue one draft pick compensation for Type A free agents;
2: There shall no longer be any protection of 1st Round Picks for the top ten teams in the draft (since they are losing a later round pick);
3: Draft compensation would be a 3rd Round pick--which would be taken in the same spot as the team who signed the free agent would normally have.
4: Compensation would be tied to a player who has been on a team the entire season.
4: If a Type A free agent is signed to a contract of $52.0m, or more, then the team signing that player will give up their 2nd and 5th Round picks to the player's former team.

[Flash]

According to our Rules, when a league-wide referendum is posted for a vote, there must be a majority of 16 votes (15 + 1) for it to be ratified.  The referendum was available for our league-wide vote for the mandatory seven (7) days and the voting is now closed.

The referendum regarding a change in our compensation rules to mirror the newly adopted MLB CBA has passed with a vote of 17-0!

The discussion leading up to the referendum was constructive and informative.  The rule change has been added to our rule book and can be found in Article X - Transactions.  Here is a link to that part of our rule book:

http://www.profsl.com/smf/index.php?topic=239514.0

The changes have been highlighted in blue and the parts that were taken out have a line through them.

I want to thank everyone who participated in the discussion and the vote.  Together we can make the league more viable, more competitive, and above all, more enjoyable for everyone.  :toth: