7 replies to this topic

[jannerboyuk]

A significant step forward http://www.therfl.co...monwealth-games

[Methven Hornet]

That is stunning news, especially in terms of developing the game across the Commonwealth. Just think of the growth that could happen in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean!

This doesn't mean that RL is going to be in the games immdediately, but that the game has potential for the future depending on development in more Commonwealth countries. It will force the hand of the authorities in spreading the game - perhaps what Richard Lewis wants more than anything.

To understand the Commonwealth Games categories, the following is in the Wikipedia entry:-

There are a total of 21 sports (with two multi-disciplinary sports) and a further 7 para-sports which are approved by the Commonwealth Games Federation. They are categorised into three types. Core sports must be included on each programme. A number of optional sports may be picked by the host nation, which may include some team sports such as basketball. Recognised sports are sports which have been approved by the CGF but which are deemed to need expansion; host nations may not pick these sports for their programme until the CGF's requirements are fulfilled.

Brilliant!!!

[Futtocks]

That is stunning news, especially in terms of developing the game across the Commonwealth. Just think of the growth that could happen in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean!

This doesn't mean that RL is going to be in the games immdediately, but that the game has potential for the future depending on development in more Commonwealth countries. It will force the hand of the authorities in spreading the game - perhaps what Richard Lewis wants more than anything.

To understand the Commonwealth Games categories, the following is in the Wikipedia entry:-

There are a total of 21 sports (with two multi-disciplinary sports) and a further 7 para-sports which are approved by the Commonwealth Games Federation. They are categorised into three types. Core sports must be included on each programme. A number of optional sports may be picked by the host nation, which may include some team sports such as basketball. Recognised sports are sports which have been approved by the CGF but which are deemed to need expansion; host nations may not pick these sports for their programme until the CGF's requirements are fulfilled.

Brilliant!!!

Yes, they have at least acknowledged that they are not actively against Rugby League, but have put the onus onto the game to make itself eligible.

Ideal, really - it isn't being railroaded into the games with a nod and a wink, but as long as RL is capable of doing the necessary, it can get there honestly and above-board.

[Methven Hornet]

Yes, they have at least acknowledged that they are not actively against Rugby League, but have put the onus onto the game to make itself eligible.

Ideal, really - it isn't being railroaded into the games with a nod and a wink, but as long as RL is capable of doing the necessary, it can get there honestly and above-board.

That is why I view it so positively. With Olympic recognition a sport has to be a member of GAISF (representatives from Aussie rugby league had a meeting with the body a few years ago). Present within the constitution of that body is a clause to the effect that there should be one governing body per sport, and that a current member effectively had a veto on any new applications where admission would adversely affect their sport. You just know that this is the type of thing RU could exploit.

In this instance there appears to be none of that involved and, in addition, we seem to have got the best possible outcome. As you point out, RLIF has got to do the business when it comes to spreading the game; also it will have to show evidence of developing the game in countries where it already has a presence. This is typical of what Richard Lewis has tried to do for the game during his tenure: he wants rugby league to be, and to be accepted as, just another sport - not a regional and historical curiosity.

There are further obstacles to RL being in the games. They have to achieve the next level - optional - before organisers can include RL in its programme. RU has core status and must be included; will organisers want two rugby sports? Also there is a maximum number of team sports that can be included in each games. I think it is 4 per each gender, although I'm not sure if that limit includes core sports.

Still, the sport is going to benefit from this!

[jannerboyuk]

I'm sure i read on an aussie forum that the goldcoast was going to bid for the games. Obviously if we were an optional sport by then we would be in a very good position for inclusion.

[Jeffles]

The criteria for inclusion in GAISF, now knwon as SportAccord is very tough and one RL would struggle to meet. For full membership we'd have to show 40 nations with proper governing bodies (financial reports, incorporation, etc). You also have to show records, financials etc about the actual governing body, which at the moment is a series of meetings and one part time employee. RL probably wouldn't get there.

For sports that do not meet the SportAccord standard, there is ARISF, the Association of IOC Recognised Sports Federations. This is a group for sports that aren't in SportAccord but still want IOC recognition. IOC recognition is crucial lots of the non-English speaking world where National Olympic COmmittees are the peak body for sports and sports funding even though not every sport is an Olympic sport. If RL was a member there, even though it would not be part of the Olympics, it would give the sport some legitimacy in the eyes of many governments around the world when it coes to organising funding, support, etc. It is in this vein that RL has sought recognition with the Commonwealth Games Federation. ARISF should be the next step for rugby league as it helps with expansion beyond the Commonwealth, in places such as continental Europe and the Middle East.

[Methven Hornet]

The criteria for inclusion in GAISF, now knwon as SportAccord is very tough and one RL would struggle to meet. For full membership we'd have to show 40 nations with proper governing bodies (financial reports, incorporation, etc). You also have to show records, financials etc about the actual governing body, which at the moment is a series of meetings and one part time employee. RL probably wouldn't get there.

For sports that do not meet the SportAccord standard, there is ARISF, the Association of IOC Recognised Sports Federations. This is a group for sports that aren't in SportAccord but still want IOC recognition. IOC recognition is crucial lots of the non-English speaking world where National Olympic COmmittees are the peak body for sports and sports funding even though not every sport is an Olympic sport. If RL was a member there, even though it would not be part of the Olympics, it would give the sport some legitimacy in the eyes of many governments around the world when it coes to organising funding, support, etc. It is in this vein that RL has sought recognition with the Commonwealth Games Federation. ARISF should be the next step for rugby league as it helps with expansion beyond the Commonwealth, in places such as continental Europe and the Middle East.

Yes, the more recognition of the sport we win, the better.

[pro]

woo,i don't know of it