144 replies to this topic

[gillmeister]

Given 18 clubs have applied to join the NCL knowing that it will be a summer season its safe to say there will be another summer season and another and another but inevitably some clubs will leave the NCL

[gillmeister]

The Cumberland League has switched to summer and remained part of BARLA for a start.

Thats true Bowes, but in all fairness it doesnt feel like we have any allegance towards BARLA or the RFL as the RFL tend to focus on the juniors and in paticular the elite and frankly BARLA do nothing to help the game in West Cumbria

The decision was made in Cumbria as we had a scenario where on team went three months without a game and many others were struggling for numbers, the same problem remains but nobody looks at the real reasons why and when rugby is played isnt the biggest issue

[bowes]

Thats true Bowes, but in all fairness it doesnt feel like we have any allegance towards BARLA or the RFL as the RFL tend to focus on the juniors and in paticular the elite and frankly BARLA do nothing to help the game in West Cumbria

The decision was made in Cumbria as we had a scenario where on team went three months without a game and many others were struggling for numbers, the same problem remains but nobody looks at the real reasons why and when rugby is played isnt the biggest issue

Being independent of both is perhaps the best way. My preference for Coventry Bears is to be in the NCL in part because it is better run than any directly run RFL league will be.

BARLA are far too reactionary and bureaucratic and the RFL are far too laissez faire and changeable

Edited by bowes, 03 August 2012 - 03:33 PM.

[LordCharles]

I think on this occasion BARLA have shown some foresight and clearly listened to their members, which means they have given an opportunity to those clubs who really feel they are not benefitting from a move to a March - November season to go back to a more traditional season in which they have had more stability in the past. The last thing we want to start seeing are clubs struggling because their only option is to play in a season or League that does not benefit them for whatever reason and consequently means they start to see a decline in playing numbers, revenue or both.

[bowes]

I think on this occasion BARLA have shown some foresight and clearly listened to their members, which means they have given an opportunity to those clubs who really feel they are not benefitting from a move to a March - November season to go back to a more traditional season in which they have had more stability in the past. The last thing we want to start seeing are clubs struggling because their only option is to play in a season or League that does not benefit them for whatever reason and consequently means they start to see a decline in playing numbers, revenue or both.

BARLA were less keen on listening to clubs who wanted summer. Instead they were inventing conspiracy theories

Edited by bowes, 03 August 2012 - 03:57 PM.

[gillmeister]

I think on this occasion BARLA have shown some foresight and clearly listened to their members, which means they have given an opportunity to those clubs who really feel they are not benefitting from a move to a March - November season to go back to a more traditional season in which they have had more stability in the past. The last thing we want to start seeing are clubs struggling because their only option is to play in a season or League that does not benefit them for whatever reason and consequently means they start to see a decline in playing numbers, revenue or both.

I read the BARLA press release and for the first time since the NCL changed seasons I was impressed with the wording in it and it seemed a genuine intention to find a solution rather than continuing drawing battle lines, I think the one question would be who specifically would run the league and the proposed BARLA conference that was touted??

[LordCharles]

I read the BARLA press release and for the first time since the NCL changed seasons I was impressed with the wording in it and it seemed a genuine intention to find a solution rather than continuing drawing battle lines, I think the one question would be who specifically would run the league and the proposed BARLA conference that was touted??

I suppose should enough expressions of interest be submitted we will find out soon after the 24th August, as you say at this stage though the important issue is that they are looking to offer a solution as opposed to drawing battle lines, which is a step forward in itself.

Edited by LordCharles, 03 August 2012 - 04:08 PM.

[mr chairman]

Personally it needs time . There are problems and they are not small problems . What does concern me is that the RFL have made all the development officers redundant , a backward step within a forward thinking move to summer. If our game is to progress then we need to be playing in one season with a social type game played in winter . I must admit I'm losing faith with the Rfl , I want our great game to move forward and it seems like we are going backwards . We need change NOW

[Cardiff Cymru]

Never boring being me, I have more to do, like going to the seaside, taking my son to museums, going camping, Doncaster races, watching live games, work etc......... Seem to be a lot more people starting to think my boring way.

Or running Thorne Moor Marauders through the summer as you once did. I still remember that final against Cardiff Demons.

[Marauder]

Or running Thorne Moor Marauders through the summer as you once did. I still remember that final against Cardiff Demons.

Yep we learnt a lesson that weekend, never go down the day before playing in a final, took till half time for the lads to sober up.


PS I wasn't running the side then I took over in the second season.

Edited by Marauder, 03 August 2012 - 06:59 PM.

[bowes]

Personally it needs time . There are problems and they are not small problems . What does concern me is that the RFL have made all the development officers redundant , a backward step within a forward thinking move to summer. If our game is to progress then we need to be playing in one season with a social type game played in winter . I must admit I'm losing faith with the Rfl , I want our great game to move forward and it seems like we are going backwards . We need change NOW

The RFL are throwing money at getting a university into Championship 1 to say they have a SW pro side the same time they sack 2 from 3 staff there and reclassify it as an outpost of the West Midlands. Then again not convinced they should spend on getting RU off season players but they need some kind of plan for realistic expansion.

[GeordieSaint]

my reply was to this bit

I take my comment back then.

[Marauder]

I take my comment back then.

No problems.

[Marauder]

The RFL are throwing money at getting a university into Championship 1 to say they have a SW pro side the same time they sack 2 from 3 staff there and reclassify it as an outpost of the West Midlands. Then again not convinced they should spend on getting RU off season players but they need some kind of plan for realistic expansion.

Your sounding as if your not convinced by the RFL at the moment!

I'm sure you would change your mind if Coventry get a place in the Championship1

[LONGMAN]

Given 18 clubs have applied to join the NCL knowing that it will be a summer season its safe to say there will be another summer season and another and another but inevitably some clubs will leave the NCL

I dont think there will be many clubs leaving the NCL for any BARLA run league in the forseeable future.

[bowes]

Your sounding as if your not convinced by the RFL at the moment!

I'm sure you would change your mind if Coventry get a place in the Championship1

Not really. I'd want the best for Coventry whatever and would hope Championship 1 is a success if we step up. My personal opinion is that we should join the NCL with a medium term aim of Championship 1 but also to have a good league to play in now.

Edited by bowes, 04 August 2012 - 07:44 AM.

[LordCharles]

It appears not everyone is happy about the recent BARLA press release.

by Sam Armstrong » Sun Aug 05, 2012 3:03 pm

Yes it has been removed ... this Forum is designed for the promotion of the teams and players of the NW Counties 13-15s not organisations who deliberately target our Clubs the day after the Monthly Meeting and require them to respond before the next meeting without even having had the courtesy of consulting or discussing the matter with us first. And this from an Organisation we are supposedly, according to their website, an Associate Member of .... nice way to treat your own!!!

Sadly, this is just typical of that shambolic dying Association who, with no plans other than to once again return to the bad old days of division within the game, try one last throw of the dice to find funding for their ever expanding jollies abroad!!!

As an example of their ineptitude they couldn't even organise amongst themselves to even take match balls to play with in their own Finals!! Say no more!

The very fact that, despite their own Constitution stating that their Youth & Junior Council must meet at least quarterly, and in one of the biggest change periods to the game haven't been bothered to held any meetings regarding our age-groups for probably over a year now .... they have been declared as and, in recent seasons have proven that, they have no interest whatsoever in the younger age-groups who, I believe, they see as merely a good income source for their tours!!

[gillmeister]

I have made that point before that in my oppinion there are very few people on the BARLA board of management that are interested in youth rugby, all bar a couple of them are "open age" based and that is why the game has suffered and that is what must change if we are to get more players into the game. The RFL and BARLA have both neglected the youth game in terms of participation levels with there focus being elsewhere!

[Marauder]

I thought the RFL had been running the age grouped game for the last year or more?

[mr chairman]

Well said sam