Maidstone defender Jerome Binnom-Williams has put his name to a letter from National League captains calling on the FA to rethink proposed changes to non-league contracts.

Binnom-Williams, wearing the armband in the absence of Gavin Hoyte, and his fellow skippers say they are "shocked and frustrated" to learn of "significant changes" which potentially affect the rights of injured players.

Under current contracts, an injured player continues to be paid their full wages for the duration of their contract.

However, under new proposals, a player would receive their full wages for just 12 weeks in the National League or six weeks below National League level before reverting to statutory sick pay of £99.35 a week.

In addition, clubs would have powers to terminate the contract of a player, with three months' notice, if they are unable to play through illness or injury for a period of four months.

At present, a contract can only be terminated if a player suffers a permanent incapacity.

The proposals have been met with strong opposition, with National League captains seeking "urgent talks" with the FA.

The letter in full says:

"As a collective we are writing to you on behalf of all National League players who are shocked and frustrated at the significant changes which are being proposed to the standard non-league contract.

"If implemented, these changes will have a serious and negative impact on the rights of players, particularly those who suffer injuries and illness.

"Twenty-two of the 24 teams currently competing in the National League are fully professional. Football to us is more than just a game. It is our livelihood and the sole mechanism for financially supporting our families.

"Our clubs expect us to put our bodies on the line each week. That, naturally, brings with it the constant and serious risk of injury and mental health pressures.

"The apparent decision to allow clubs to easily dispose of players who pick up injuries or suffer illness is unacceptable.

"Players became aware of these proposed changes only after being informed by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA).

"What is frustrating is that we have now spoken to the PFA, who have told us that they made it very clear that they opposed these changes and that they viewed them as a serious reduction in player rights.

"However, the decision was still taken by the FA to proceed with the changes.

"It is also concerning that it was the PFA who informed players of the changes, rather than the FA, the league or our clubs.

"You will be aware that, as the end of the season approaches, this is the time when discussions and decisions are already being made about new contracts and agreements with clubs.

"We understand and support the need to create a sustainable financial structure within the football pyramid.

"However, we fundamentally disagree that this should involve eroding the duty of care a club owes its players.

"What is most concerning is that the very people who are put at physical and financial risk by this proposed move - the players themselves - have been locked out of the decision-making process.

"This is completely unacceptable.

"These changes give clubs the option of terminating a player's contract or reducing their income to statutory sick pay in the event of an injury or illness.

"This makes an already unstable job even more unstable, to the point where for many it will be untenable.

"These changes put players under significant stress, knowing that we are always at risk from losing our income and being unable to work.

"We are seeking urgent talks with the FA and the National League to clarify the situation and provide an acceptable resolution."