Sunday 16 September 2018

Extraordinary General Meeting : RFL Council Sept 2018

This was called to sort out the structure of UK RL for SL, the Championship and League 1. UK RL changes its structures as often as the wind changes direction. Its good to be responsive but constant tinkering isn't ideal. There's a new TV deal in two years but that was too long to wait, apparently.

Why the haste? Because the present set up put four SL clubs at risk of being demoted each season and that was deemed too many. The fact that in the three previous years the existing system was in place only two teams were relegationed - and in 2018 it looks like only one SL team will drop - didn't assuage such fear.

The vote was strongly in favour of the proposal, with a 2 to 1 majority. Many clubs below SL were expected to go against the suggested change but surprisingly went with it. So what was decided?

Super League: The elite competition will remain at 12 teams to protect their current per club payout from TV money. This means that teams will have to play each other too often to give TV the necessary number of rounds agreed. After 29 rounds, a five team playoff will be held, replacing the current eight, then four situation.

The Qualifiers: The exciting playoff system for promotion / relegation between the top two divisions will be cut after this season. There will be a one up and one down scenario each year from 2019.

The Championship: This will increase to 14 teams (up from 12) for 2019. The extra numbers will come form League One below. The solitary promotion place to SL will be through a five team playoff system I believe, but I'm not absolutely sure on that.

League One: With more sides in the Championship, I assume the third division will drop from 14 to 12 sides. Two sides will change places between this and Championship above. Some of the detail I am missing and maybe changes will be organised now that the template is set.

Summary: I would have liked the status quo to have been maintained for another two years until the next media deal. If change had to come, 14 in SL was my wish to lessen the boredom of too many repeat fixtures. If Toronto are to enter SL, will they be self funding or be part of the SL pay system? If the former, that would free up some money to expand but that wasn't part of the consideration.

Now it's done, time to accept that all but one SL club went for this change to reduce jeopardy for them. The boringly small competition will have to suffice for at least two more seasons. For those following RL in the UK, the two lower divisions could be more interesting to follow, especially the Championship.

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