The PFAI surveyed its members in relation to the mid-season break.  The survey was issued following supporters, club officials and commentators questioning the need for a mid-season break.

The overwhelming choice of the players is to keep the mid-season break with 86.3% of the players voting in favour.  This information has been passed onto the league director so any decision in relation to next season can be made with the players input.

PFAI General Secretary, Stephen McGuinness, said "It is important to get the view of our members at a time when the league is assessing next season's match calendar.

"The general theme in relation to the survey is not only do the players want to keep the break but they also want a clearly defined period where no training or games can take place.  Currently players are at the mercy of the manager and the club and are unable to plan ahead.

"The other worrying aspect was the amount of players who go unpaid during the break with 28.7% of players not receiving pay.  In any other employment people get holidays and are fully paid no matter if they are full time or part time.  As an Association we would like to see the length of season 2009 restored to ensure that fixture congestion is at a minimum."