Playing Season - The Big Debate

22nd May, 2010

The RFL want to hear the opinions of everyone involved in Rugby League on what time of year they think the sport should be played at community level.

The different options which are under discussion for youth, junior and open age teams are as follows:

• The first option is to introduce a split season which would include playing between September and June with a break for the winter months of December, January and February

• The second option is to have a summer season which starts in March and concludes in November

• The third option is to have a winter season which starts in September and concludes in May.

All players, coaches, administrators, volunteers and interested parties can give us their opinions by completing an online survey by clicking here:RFL Questionnaire

Interested parties can also give their opinion on the options or find out more information about the process by emailing Andy Harland, the RFL’s National Development Manager atandy.harland@rfl.uk.com or by writing to him at Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds LS17 8NB.

Alternatively you can simply post your opinions on the wall of the RFL’s official Facebook page -www.facebook.com/rugbyfootballleague

An independent research company has been appointed to canvass the views of over 1,100 Rugby League players on when they would prefer the community game season to be played.

Vision Twentyone have been brought in to conduct a telephone survey among players over the age of 16 who play at community level as part of the consultation process on what time of year the sport should be played.

The RFL will be writing to individual leagues, community game clubs and all coaches to give them the opportunity to formally respond to the process and also to encourage them to engage their players in this.

The RFL will also be consulting with other parties such as Sport England and local authorities as part of this formal consultation process which will end with a recommendation that will go forward to the clubs and leagues with the decision ultimately resting with these groups.

The Community Board made the recommendation to enter a formal consultation period following a series of meetings with key organisations and leagues across the community game to gauge opinions on what would be the best time of the year to play Rugby League.

This process was initiated in response to concerns and requests from players and officials involved in the community game over the last season.