Rugby League
THE Rugby Football League have announced that there will be thorough consultation period before a new strategy for the Championships from 2012 onwards is decided.


All major stakeholders, including supporters, will have the opportunity to submit their views up to mid-December, and the RFL are urging fans of the sport to complete a short questionnaire on their website.

The aim of the review, first announced to clubs in June, is to 'create the best, viable and competitive semi professional competition possible' and the RFL are keen on ensuring the clubs have strong management and their levels of investment reflect the level of return to the sport.

Commenting on the consultation process, the RFL's Chief Operating Officer Ralph Rimmer, said: "At this point we are seeking the views of all the game's stakeholders including fans, sponsors, players and the media to ensure we are taking into account the informed opinions of these people when constructing a draft model outlining the future structure of the sport underneath Super League.

"The proposed structure will be taken to the clubs for an intense period of consultation before getting it signed off by the end of March 2011

We start too early. It's no good starting summer rugby in mid-winter. Start the season at the beginning of March when there's a reasonable chance that everyone will get there games on.

Take up some of the slack by cutting the play-offs to the top 4. Week one, semi finals, week two, the final. That'll prevent the big discrepancy in the end of the season, which can end as early as mid-August, if you don't make the play-offs and get the bye in the last week.

Compress the Challenge Cup a bit more. Far too drawn out. No wonder people lose interest in it. Months between rounds at times - what's all that about ? If the BBC can't provide the air-time, look elsewhere.

Here's my opinion, I may have touched on a few before but here goes.

Agree with Griff, we start too early. Playing games in the January snow isn't a summer sport, also it clashes with the footy season and affects attendances.

Modify the Northern Rail Cup. I don't know how but the current format is hurting crowds. Only an opinion. Maybe seeding the second round onwards?

Scrap the Game On. It's a good idea but not as a match programme, maybe have it as a fortnightly supplement to clubs own programmes. Some clubs might say "we lose money making our own". If that's the case, maybe make the Game On cheaper.

The RFL should supplement fans away travel, to encourage fans to travel and help increase attendances.

Finally, promote Jamie Leahy to $uper League, then we won't see him again.

Has Game On been scrapped anyway?

I think the season needs to be long to help smaller clubs bring in crucial money for not just players but background staff and people who work at the club. I think volunteering would go a long way at some Heartlands club. People who are out of work, come and volunteer with jobs for free tickets etc..?

1.longer season - but start later 1/3 -30/10
2.promotion and relegation for all divisions (but only for clubs who meet set rules - told if they do at start of season - eg ground, finance, playing structure)
3.no parachute money

Keep the Rail Cup, make it a knock-out competition. Round 1, Div 3 clubs, five winners joining the 11 Div 2 clubs in Round 2.

Simpuls.

Ending in October - not going to happen because there's no room for the international season.

Games don't make money. Even a club like Fev, with its own ground, doesn't make money on the game. If they did, they wouldn't need to run a lottery or fundraising events like dinners.

That is flawed thinking griff, so if we were making money on games do you think we would turn down the revenue that other fundraising brought.

what differance does that make to the CC leagues ?

It would affect us. Our 2010 squad had eight international players in it!

oops,i only looked at it from a england point of view.

Dr, 8 internationals, have you heard of the word development??
should not be crowing about this.

Erm, we aren't a development club. We should be, but aren't. Four of those are Scottish internationals, and two Irish, therefore not overseas.

Featherstone lost £78000 last year. What did they lose it on if it wasn't games ?

As pointed out earlier, there are plenty of international players in our league. Running the internationals at the same time as the play-offs just isn't going to happen.

Ireland is overseas. Try and drive there if you don't believe me.

Gedder has a uk passport though

No he doesn't, actually. He was born in County Offaly - or, as I prefer to call it, King's County.

He told me he did, mind you that was in Toulouse. Where most things spoken are alcohol influenced.

Back on topic.

Scrap the bonus point, it rewards failure.

^^^^^^^^

It would - if it was still two for a win and one for a draw.

That's how it should be

Could have dual nationality. But the one he flew to Toulouse on had a little harp on the front.