Just in case anyone has missed it - the RFL held an event last night to launch the summer game at an amateur level. It's not been without contention, but some of us have been wanting this change for some time while some clubs (perhaps quite rightly given their own circumstances) are staying in winter. Story and a bit about why we see it as the right move can be read here: www.pitchero.com/clubs/burybronc ... 24068.html

Just in case anyone has missed it - the RFL held an event last night to launch the summer game at an amateur level. It's not been without contention, but some of us have been wanting this change for some time while some clubs (perhaps quite rightly given their own circumstances) are staying in winter. Story and a bit about why we see it as the right move can be read here: www.pitchero.com/clubs/burybronc ... 24068.html

Just got to get rid of BARLA (or at least its prehistoric ways now) and the game will move forward

BARLA performs a very important role. Getting rid of an organisation simply because you do not agree with it is at best arrogant. BARLA is not preventing the game moving forward if anything it has helped RL moved forward. What are the prehistoric ways you are thinking of?

There is an SLTV video about it. It has got to be a good thing, the RFL have agreed to do this with the clubs rather than it being forced upon them. That has always been a BARLA gripe with the RFL. Less matches called off, the expansion clubs get to play with the established ones and less of a clash with the other winter sports.

A step in the right direction.

Definately a step in the right direction.

I play in the Pennine League setup, still playing in the Winter months after rejecting a move to Summer a few months back.

From my point of view, the positives of moving to Summer far outweigh the negatives (although I appreciate all clubs circumstances are different).

Which other leagues are still going to be playing in Winter?

NWC will continue in winter. Although with all the clubs that have switched they are down to 12 teams although of course, some could join or decide summer wasn't for them and then switch back.

How many clubs were in the NWC say 3 years ago?

There are 80+ clubs in our setup. I'll be honest, I have no idea if there's an alternative Summer league for my club (for our level) to go to in the area or not. I think Leeds Akkies are the closest Summer Club but not sure what league they're in.

Quote ="Neville Bartos"How many clubs were in the NWC say 3 years ago? There are 80+ clubs in our setup. I'll be honest, I have no idea if there's an alternative Summer league for my club (for our level) to go to in the area or not. I think Leeds Akkies are the closest Summer Club but not sure what league they're in.'" similar to Pennine. Premier and six divisions below that last winter. there is a Yorkshire summer league also - think this is the link www.yorkshirerl.co.uk/article/fi ... clubs.html - from what's been said, you were all dead set against summer on that side of Pennines .

Quote ="Neville Bartos"How many clubs were in the NWC say 3 years ago? There are 80+ clubs in our setup. I'll be honest, I have no idea if there's an alternative Summer league for my club (for our level) to go to in the area or not. I think Leeds Akkies are the closest Summer Club but not sure what league they're in.'" similar to Pennine. Premier and six divisions below that last winter. there is a Yorkshire summer league also - think this is the link www.yorkshirerl.co.uk/article/fi ... clubs.html - from what's been said, you were all dead set against summer on that side of Pennines .

Main plus point that I can see is just having less games called off, saving clubs valuable money. Younger plays also have the chance to develop better skills from a younger age.

Fans can watch in decent weather
Flexibility in scheduling games
Training in decent weather
Doesn't clash all season with football or RU

Just what is needed

I reckon within 3 years there will only be a handful of teams left playing in the winter.

11 now Higginshaw switched to summer last minute.

From what I hear some of the 11 might go to the Pennine League and some will struggle to raise a team.

North Western Counties League (one division struggling)
Barrow and District League (probably will switch to summer)
Hull and District League (2 small divisions)
Yorkshire League (unlikely to survive much longer, possibly could scrape one division together next season but losing clubs to summer and the Pennine League at the rate of a division a year)

The Pennine League will have more clubs than the rest of winter put together in 2012/13

In the long run I think you're right but 3 years is a bit soon as Under 16s, Under 17s and most Under 18s are still winter in Yorkshire. Think it will switch to summer a year at a time though. Within 3 years the Pennine League and Hull League will be the only winter leagues though albeit Pennine will still be huge til juniors who've grown up on summer come through.

Last I heard the Yorkshire Men's League has 3 divisions (mostly NCL reserve teams but not entirely) then there's a short season league the Akkies are in. There may also be a merit league if enough teams want it. Apparently there's some late entrants to the summer leagues though so can't give you the final lineups just yet.

BARLA has held back the game for decades. It has fostered an intimidating and aggressive atmosphere at many clubs and leagues that has restricted participation to a huge degree. Whether through incompetence, collusion or the organisation simply couldn't be bothered or didnt care about the issue BARLA's lasting legacy will be the huge amounts of kids who have been put off rugby league.

I don't normally advocate following the Dark Side, but in the amateur game Union are miles ahead of League and have been for decades.

Cheers Bowes

The kids switching is the key part of this as it should hopefully help skills development (and increase numbers!). weather today is great - and the season is just about to start! far more conducive to developing skills...

And, from harsh experience, more likelihood of parents taking kids to 2 training sessions plus a match every week, if they don't have to stand around in a freezing cold, muddy field for extended periods of time.

Is the general feeling that by playing in the summer on firmer pitches, it should produce more athletic players especially outside backs.
It would be great if British RL could start producing Inglis or Folau type players.

Not really. I guess it might help as participation levels will increase and so there would be more chance of unearthing top athletes, but that sort of natural athleticism is genetic and can't really be taught. What it should do is produce far more skillful players, especially in the backs.

Would have to disagree with that to a degree.

Us old'uns joke that a good thick muddy surface brings the young flyers down to our level in the winter - and that's true. On some of the surfaces you find dotted around the amateur leagues you'd be lucky to break into anything above a serious jog. Some pitches have no drainage to speak of and remain boggy throughout the winter season. Many others have permanently boggy patches dotted around.

It's hard for the better athletes or more skilful players to show anything in those conditions. Too often it's "ball up the jumper" and "slog it out" time. Short, simple passes and heavy underfoot. Certainly not conducive to developing skilful, athletic players.

Our 3 summer seasons have seen excellent surfaces (not a single bone-hard surface contrary to some fears), fast rugby, the chance to throw the ball around, wonderful training conditions and increased numbers. Our better lads can perform to their best levels in summer conditions.

I agree completely, I think you've got the wrong end of the stick because that's pretty much the exact point I was trying to make.

It's been a long day.

FWIW, I love muddy battles. The kids can run around all day, that sort of stuff is years behind me.

anyone who went to the BBC event at Media City a few months would have heard McDermott talking about how Jon Wilkin (also on the panel) would have had to comepte with 10 - 20 others youngsters to get to 'the top' in RL. He then said an elite level Aussies will comepte with 100 - 200 youngsters to get to the top... teh pool of quality is therefore bigger, and the best of the best tend to be that bit better.

maximising participation is key! it also means we can broaden the net and give 'athletes' from sports like football and Union an opportunity to try league and see if they are more suited.