25 Feb 2005 - Under 18 Project Group
Dear All,
After the main two consultation meetings with North West Counties and Yorkshire Youth, it is clear that the same questions are being asked so I thought that I would drop you all a quick note with some answers. I have also been receiving some of the comments that are fed back to Hilary (Steel) at NWC and I must say that there are some really well thought out
responses.
Can I clearly state that this is a true consultation where your responses are received and will be taken into consideration before the final proposal goes out. That makes sense for no better reason than, without the clubs there is no proposal. Can I also confirm that the whole spirit of the proposal is to promote the participation in the Under 18's sector of the game at all levels. It is not only for the elite but for every player who plays and also for players who do not currently play but
might be attracted to the game. I hope that you would share that as a
background to the proposals.
Same people playing/working on Saturday that run U18's - need to look
at recruitment of volunteers Agreed that this may be a problem but is it fatal? Are all clubs in this position or just some. If it is all clubs then it is a non-starter, if not then it may be a matter of choice for
each club.
Timescale for application too tight - do not know strength of U18 until
the pro club have signed players Agreed, originally the date was set to allow clubs more preparation time but if this is too short that date can be amended to suit.
What will the transfer system be? The Transfer system will be the system in place now unless clubs want different
Names of people in group David Lowe, Hilary Steel, Ralph Marchant, Alan Parker, Bill Apleton, Jackie Reid, Joe Elliott, Tommy Taylor, Julia Lee, Niel Wood
Lack of Match Officials Match Officials Dept see this as potentially
very good for the development of their young officials
Lack of facilities and the number of things/teams that already go on a
Saturday Agreed but this may again be a question of priority for
Clubs. If they see entry into the National Youth League as important to them then they may regard the problems in a different way. If Saturday at 2:30 is not the right time, is Sunday at 2:30 a better option? That is for you to decide.
The last National league was not a success how will this one differ to
make it a success Commitment from everyone to make this a long term solution to an old problem. Shared goal and vision, which will move this up the list of priorities. Support from all elements of the game. Real secure investment funding to assist clubs to make this something for everyone to be proud of. It is also a part of a National Structure that will also be working to assist the Regional Leagues and to recruit more players to play at this level and to retain more players within the sport leading to a strengthened Open Age Structure.
Questionnaire distribution - needs to be made general knowledge The
research was done with a random selection of players representing all
areas, ages within the 18's age group and abilities. This is standard
research practice and the numbers surveyed were statistically sound for the purpose. There will always be differences of opinion and the research was not used as the sole consideration, it is however a powerful piece to consider.
If you have other points that you wish to raise, please feel free. We also would love to hear from anyone who has any other ideas that might aid the proposal
Please find attach a copy of how the season might look under this
proposal. I have included an illustration with existing teams as to how the Leagues might look. Please note that this is only an illustration and nothing at all should be read into these teams and where they are in the structure, it is only to help visualise what might be involved.
Niel Wood
Rugby League Services Manager
The Rugby Football League
Tel: 01484 544131/07785 712 918
Fax: 0161 643 5394
E mail: niel.wood@rfl.uk.com
After the main two consultation meetings with North West Counties and Yorkshire Youth, it is clear that the same questions are being asked so I thought that I would drop you all a quick note with some answers. I have also been receiving some of the comments that are fed back to Hilary (Steel) at NWC and I must say that there are some really well thought out
responses.
Can I clearly state that this is a true consultation where your responses are received and will be taken into consideration before the final proposal goes out. That makes sense for no better reason than, without the clubs there is no proposal. Can I also confirm that the whole spirit of the proposal is to promote the participation in the Under 18's sector of the game at all levels. It is not only for the elite but for every player who plays and also for players who do not currently play but
might be attracted to the game. I hope that you would share that as a
background to the proposals.
Same people playing/working on Saturday that run U18's - need to look
at recruitment of volunteers Agreed that this may be a problem but is it fatal? Are all clubs in this position or just some. If it is all clubs then it is a non-starter, if not then it may be a matter of choice for
each club.
Timescale for application too tight - do not know strength of U18 until
the pro club have signed players Agreed, originally the date was set to allow clubs more preparation time but if this is too short that date can be amended to suit.
What will the transfer system be? The Transfer system will be the system in place now unless clubs want different
Names of people in group David Lowe, Hilary Steel, Ralph Marchant, Alan Parker, Bill Apleton, Jackie Reid, Joe Elliott, Tommy Taylor, Julia Lee, Niel Wood
Lack of Match Officials Match Officials Dept see this as potentially
very good for the development of their young officials
Lack of facilities and the number of things/teams that already go on a
Saturday Agreed but this may again be a question of priority for
Clubs. If they see entry into the National Youth League as important to them then they may regard the problems in a different way. If Saturday at 2:30 is not the right time, is Sunday at 2:30 a better option? That is for you to decide.
The last National league was not a success how will this one differ to
make it a success Commitment from everyone to make this a long term solution to an old problem. Shared goal and vision, which will move this up the list of priorities. Support from all elements of the game. Real secure investment funding to assist clubs to make this something for everyone to be proud of. It is also a part of a National Structure that will also be working to assist the Regional Leagues and to recruit more players to play at this level and to retain more players within the sport leading to a strengthened Open Age Structure.
Questionnaire distribution - needs to be made general knowledge The
research was done with a random selection of players representing all
areas, ages within the 18's age group and abilities. This is standard
research practice and the numbers surveyed were statistically sound for the purpose. There will always be differences of opinion and the research was not used as the sole consideration, it is however a powerful piece to consider.
If you have other points that you wish to raise, please feel free. We also would love to hear from anyone who has any other ideas that might aid the proposal
Please find attach a copy of how the season might look under this
proposal. I have included an illustration with existing teams as to how the Leagues might look. Please note that this is only an illustration and nothing at all should be read into these teams and where they are in the structure, it is only to help visualise what might be involved.
Niel Wood
Rugby League Services Manager
The Rugby Football League
Tel: 01484 544131/07785 712 918
Fax: 0161 643 5394
E mail: niel.wood@rfl.uk.com
Under 18 Project Group
Proposed Playing Structure
Rationale
Ø Provide a safe, enjoyable, well managed and appropriate competition for all players within the age group
Ø Increase the number of players in the age group
Ø Improve retention of players in the age group
Ø Improve the levels of available competition
Ø Provide a level of competition that will meet the needs of National League Clubs and consequently remove the need for them to run Academy teams
Ø Provide a suitable stepping stone from Junior Football to Senior Football
The Basis
Ø Players want regular, well managed games at an appropriate level.
Ø Games should be at a time and on a day that allows them to enjoy being young
Ø Competition should be graded so that there is a correct level for all players
Ø Players want to see ?Super League Style? Play offs
National Youth League
Ø Two Conferences of 8 Teams based upon Minimum Standards, playing in a 20 Round Competition
Ø National Youth Cup with National Youth League Teams exempt from opening rounds
Ø Saturday Afternoons, kick off 2:30
Regional Youth Leagues
Ø 18 Rounds of Competition
Ø Open entry to National Youth Cup (Regional Draw)
Ø County Cups
Ø Sunday, Kick off 12:30
Ø Regional Youth Leagues can extend to include Cumbria, London, South Wales, Midlands, etc.
Service Area Competition
Ø Minimum 3 games
Ø Regional Carnival
Ø Time of year to be decided in consultation with Service Areas and based upon International Programme
Management - National Youth League (A Proposal)
Ø Management Group made up of Community Board appointments from Regional Leagues, Community Board Members and RFL Staff.
Ø Appoint administrator from existing Youth League Administrators or others after open advert and application.
Ø Regular Management Meetings with 2/3 Clubs Meetings per year
Who can play? (A Proposal which will require constitutional change)
Ø All players aged Under 18 in the September of the year of the season.
Ø This will include any players who are signed to a professional club and fall within the age range if that club has no Junior Academy Squad.
Programme
National League = 16 (20 Rounds) Regional Leagues = 10 (18 Rounds)
Week Date 2005 National (Saturdays) Regional(Sundays) Service Area(Wednesdays)
1. Sept 3
2. Sept 10 Round 1
3. Sept 17 Round 2 Round 1
4. Sept 24 Round 3 Round 2
5. Oct 1 Round 4 Round 3
6. Oct 8 Round 5 Round 4 Midweek
7. Oct 15 Round 6 Round 5
8. Oct 22 Round 7 Round 6 Midweek
9. Oct 29 Round 8 County Cup 1
10. Nov 5 Round 9 Round 7 Midweek
11. Nov 12 Round 10 Round 8
12. Nov 19 Round 11 Round 9/County Cup 2
13. Nov 26 Round 12 Round 10
14. Dec 3 Regional Carnival Regional Carnival Regional Carnival
15. Dec 10 Round 13 National Cup 1 (64)
16. Dec 17 Round 14 County Cup Semi Final Round 11
17. Jan 7 Back up Back up
18. Jan 14 Round 15 County Cup Finals
19. Jan 21 National Cup 2 (32) National Cup 2(32)
20. Jan 28 Round 16 Round 12
21. Feb 4 Round 17 Round 13
22. Feb 11 National Cup 3 (16) National Cup 3 (16)Round 14
23. Feb 18 Round 18 Round 15
24. Feb 25 National Cup Quarter Back up Fixtures National Cup Quarter Round 16
25. Mar 4 Round 19 Round 17
26. Mar 11 National Cup Semi Back up Fixtures National Cup SemiBack up Fixtures
27. Mar 18 Round 20 Round 18
28. Mar 25 Back up Back up
29. Apr 1 National Cup Final National Cup FinalBack up
30. Apr 8 Play off 1 Play off 1
31. Apr 15 Play off 2 Play off 2
32. Apr 22 Play off 3 Play off 3
33. Apr 29 Grand Final Grand Final
Total Games Max 29 Min 21 Max 31 Min 20
The very best player who plays in every possible game will play 35 games
Example 1
Based upon the latest available League Tables and assuming all clubs have required minimum standards.
National Youth League West National Youth League East
1. Blackbrook 2. Dewsbury Celtic
3. Leigh Miners Rangers 4. Embassy Longhill
5. Widnes St Maries 6. Castleford Panthers
7. Golborne Parkside 8. Oulton Raiders
9. Saddleworth Rangers 10. Queens
11. Waterhead 12. Huddersfield Sharks
13. Ellenborough 14. Stanningley
15. Wath Brow Hornets 16. West Hull
Northwest Counties Premier Yorkshire Premier
1. Wigan St Cuthberts 1. Stanley Rangers
2. Wigan St Patricks 2. Drighlington
3. Wigan St Judes 3. East Leeds
4. Leigh East 4. Hunslet Warriors
5. Barrow Island 5. Featherstone Lions
6. Oldham St Annes 6. Casteford Lock Lane
7. Thatto Heath 7. Dudley Hill
8. Orrell St James 8. Wibsey
9. Rylands 9. Milford Marlins
10. Pilkington Recs 10. Skirlaugh Bulls
Northwest Counties 1 Yorkshire 1
1. Crosfields 1. Crigglestone All Blacks
2. Ince Rosebridge 2. Greetland
3. Folly Lane 3. Siddal
4. Roose Pioneers 4. Eastmoor Dragons
5. Eccles & Salford Juniors 5. Heworth
6. Haydock 6. Gateshead
7. Widnes Moorfield 7. Cottingham Tigers
8. Bold Miners 8. Hull Dockers
9. New Springs 9. Keighley Cougar Cubs
10. Woolston Rovers 10. Brighouse Rangers
Northwest Counties 2 Yorkshire 2
1. Leyland Warriors 1. Slaithwaite
2. Halton Farnworth Hornets 2. Myton Warriors
3. Moss Bank Bulldogs 3. Doncaster
4. Latchford Albion 4. York Acorn
5. Rochdale Mayfield Mustangs 5. Brighouse Rangers
6. Ashton Bears 6. King Cross
7. Hindley Giants 7. Normanton Knights
8. Royton Tigers 8. Thornhill Trojans
9. Langworthy Reds 9. Ovenden
10. Chorley 10. Keighley Cougar Cubs All Stars
Teams in Bold are assumed to have come through from Under 16?s or Under 17?s
Please note this is only an illustration of how the competition could look
Proposed Playing Structure
Rationale
Ø Provide a safe, enjoyable, well managed and appropriate competition for all players within the age group
Ø Increase the number of players in the age group
Ø Improve retention of players in the age group
Ø Improve the levels of available competition
Ø Provide a level of competition that will meet the needs of National League Clubs and consequently remove the need for them to run Academy teams
Ø Provide a suitable stepping stone from Junior Football to Senior Football
The Basis
Ø Players want regular, well managed games at an appropriate level.
Ø Games should be at a time and on a day that allows them to enjoy being young
Ø Competition should be graded so that there is a correct level for all players
Ø Players want to see ?Super League Style? Play offs
National Youth League
Ø Two Conferences of 8 Teams based upon Minimum Standards, playing in a 20 Round Competition
Ø National Youth Cup with National Youth League Teams exempt from opening rounds
Ø Saturday Afternoons, kick off 2:30
Regional Youth Leagues
Ø 18 Rounds of Competition
Ø Open entry to National Youth Cup (Regional Draw)
Ø County Cups
Ø Sunday, Kick off 12:30
Ø Regional Youth Leagues can extend to include Cumbria, London, South Wales, Midlands, etc.
Service Area Competition
Ø Minimum 3 games
Ø Regional Carnival
Ø Time of year to be decided in consultation with Service Areas and based upon International Programme
Management - National Youth League (A Proposal)
Ø Management Group made up of Community Board appointments from Regional Leagues, Community Board Members and RFL Staff.
Ø Appoint administrator from existing Youth League Administrators or others after open advert and application.
Ø Regular Management Meetings with 2/3 Clubs Meetings per year
Who can play? (A Proposal which will require constitutional change)
Ø All players aged Under 18 in the September of the year of the season.
Ø This will include any players who are signed to a professional club and fall within the age range if that club has no Junior Academy Squad.
Programme
National League = 16 (20 Rounds) Regional Leagues = 10 (18 Rounds)
Week Date 2005 National (Saturdays) Regional(Sundays) Service Area(Wednesdays)
1. Sept 3
2. Sept 10 Round 1
3. Sept 17 Round 2 Round 1
4. Sept 24 Round 3 Round 2
5. Oct 1 Round 4 Round 3
6. Oct 8 Round 5 Round 4 Midweek
7. Oct 15 Round 6 Round 5
8. Oct 22 Round 7 Round 6 Midweek
9. Oct 29 Round 8 County Cup 1
10. Nov 5 Round 9 Round 7 Midweek
11. Nov 12 Round 10 Round 8
12. Nov 19 Round 11 Round 9/County Cup 2
13. Nov 26 Round 12 Round 10
14. Dec 3 Regional Carnival Regional Carnival Regional Carnival
15. Dec 10 Round 13 National Cup 1 (64)
16. Dec 17 Round 14 County Cup Semi Final Round 11
17. Jan 7 Back up Back up
18. Jan 14 Round 15 County Cup Finals
19. Jan 21 National Cup 2 (32) National Cup 2(32)
20. Jan 28 Round 16 Round 12
21. Feb 4 Round 17 Round 13
22. Feb 11 National Cup 3 (16) National Cup 3 (16)Round 14
23. Feb 18 Round 18 Round 15
24. Feb 25 National Cup Quarter Back up Fixtures National Cup Quarter Round 16
25. Mar 4 Round 19 Round 17
26. Mar 11 National Cup Semi Back up Fixtures National Cup SemiBack up Fixtures
27. Mar 18 Round 20 Round 18
28. Mar 25 Back up Back up
29. Apr 1 National Cup Final National Cup FinalBack up
30. Apr 8 Play off 1 Play off 1
31. Apr 15 Play off 2 Play off 2
32. Apr 22 Play off 3 Play off 3
33. Apr 29 Grand Final Grand Final
Total Games Max 29 Min 21 Max 31 Min 20
The very best player who plays in every possible game will play 35 games
Example 1
Based upon the latest available League Tables and assuming all clubs have required minimum standards.
National Youth League West National Youth League East
1. Blackbrook 2. Dewsbury Celtic
3. Leigh Miners Rangers 4. Embassy Longhill
5. Widnes St Maries 6. Castleford Panthers
7. Golborne Parkside 8. Oulton Raiders
9. Saddleworth Rangers 10. Queens
11. Waterhead 12. Huddersfield Sharks
13. Ellenborough 14. Stanningley
15. Wath Brow Hornets 16. West Hull
Northwest Counties Premier Yorkshire Premier
1. Wigan St Cuthberts 1. Stanley Rangers
2. Wigan St Patricks 2. Drighlington
3. Wigan St Judes 3. East Leeds
4. Leigh East 4. Hunslet Warriors
5. Barrow Island 5. Featherstone Lions
6. Oldham St Annes 6. Casteford Lock Lane
7. Thatto Heath 7. Dudley Hill
8. Orrell St James 8. Wibsey
9. Rylands 9. Milford Marlins
10. Pilkington Recs 10. Skirlaugh Bulls
Northwest Counties 1 Yorkshire 1
1. Crosfields 1. Crigglestone All Blacks
2. Ince Rosebridge 2. Greetland
3. Folly Lane 3. Siddal
4. Roose Pioneers 4. Eastmoor Dragons
5. Eccles & Salford Juniors 5. Heworth
6. Haydock 6. Gateshead
7. Widnes Moorfield 7. Cottingham Tigers
8. Bold Miners 8. Hull Dockers
9. New Springs 9. Keighley Cougar Cubs
10. Woolston Rovers 10. Brighouse Rangers
Northwest Counties 2 Yorkshire 2
1. Leyland Warriors 1. Slaithwaite
2. Halton Farnworth Hornets 2. Myton Warriors
3. Moss Bank Bulldogs 3. Doncaster
4. Latchford Albion 4. York Acorn
5. Rochdale Mayfield Mustangs 5. Brighouse Rangers
6. Ashton Bears 6. King Cross
7. Hindley Giants 7. Normanton Knights
8. Royton Tigers 8. Thornhill Trojans
9. Langworthy Reds 9. Ovenden
10. Chorley 10. Keighley Cougar Cubs All Stars
Teams in Bold are assumed to have come through from Under 16?s or Under 17?s
Please note this is only an illustration of how the competition could look