The Rugby League Franchise System
In 2009 the Rugby Football League introduced a franchise or licensing system to determine which clubs would be in the elite tier of European rugby league, the engage Super League. That round saw an expansion of the division to fourteen clubs and most controversially the entry of the only Welsh Club, the then Celtic Crusaders.
This time will see a current club relegated and replaced by an outfit form the second tier of rugby league, the Championship. The eligible clubs from this division, who have already submitted their applications, are Halifax RLFC, Featherstone Rovers and the Widnes Vikings.
Promotion and Relegation
The RFL abandoned P and R believing that the gap between the divisions was so wide and the cost of promotion so onerous that it was damaging clubs who were neglecting other developments in order to put all their resources into winning the division. Although not universally accepted the RFL pushed through this view which was of a part of a wider strategy including a salary cap to protect the clubs from themselves.
Historically rugby league has had one large division with an uneven draw negating the need for P and R, different divisions being a relatively recent innovation.
2009 Franchise Decision
The previous round of 'licensing' as the RFL calls it, saw a complex and often misunderstood process. Using a relatively simple evaluation system to put applicant clubs in different bands (A,B,C,D) the RFL made a strategic decision. Unfortunately many fans saw it as a simple most points wins process, whereas in reality it was a minimum criteria process. As it panned out the final places were decided between band D clubs allowing the RFL to make a strategic decision informed by an expansionist attitude.
Hence the Celtic Crusaders were chosen over Widnes Vikings although in all likelihood Widnes had achieved more points it didn't matter once the clubs had been banded.
Franchising in 2012-2014
The licensing period lasts for three seasons, allowing clubs the opportunity to prove their worth in a mixture of on and off field criteria. The next round of licensing will be measured differently form the previous round reflecting ongoing discussions with the clubs themselves. The main criteria this time will be:
- a. Commercial, Marketing, Media and Community.
- b. Facilities.
- c. Finance.
- d. Governance and Business Management.
- e. Playing Strength and Player Performance Strategy.
After the assessment process clubs will be awarded an A or B license giving them a place in the competition. The other applicants (who would have met a minimum criteria in order to be able to apply) will judged against the strategic needs of the sport as determined by the RFL, as well as historical contribution and potential future performance.
Which Rugby League Clubs will be relegated?
What this process boils down is the certain relegation of at least one current Super League team. Although the assessment process has yet to start for existing Super League outfits, clubs such as Wigan and Leeds will almost certainly get an A license. The clubs in real danger are:
- Castleford Tigers
- Crusaders RL
- Wakefield Wildcats
- Salford Reds
- Harlequins RL
Amongst these clubs two things stand out: expansion and quality of the stadiums. With Harlequins and the Crusaders the RFL is determined, unlike in the past, to stick with clubs that are helping to spread the sport to new areas. All things being equal they will be safe. Salford have got definite and confirmed plans for an impressive new stadium complex in the key Manchester area. That leaves Castleford and Wakefield.
These two grand old clubs share one of the strongest rugby league areas in the country with a significant of amount of junior and amateur rugby league being played. Yet it seems almost certain that one of them will have to go which will come down to one question. Who will get a new stadium up and running first?
Tough decisions ahead for the RFL and this licensing round looks likely to impact on the viability of the whole concept.
Source:
Jeffrey Baxter - My name is Jeffrey Baxter. I live in Cardiff the capital city of Wales which is part of the United Kingdom (for the time being at least). ...
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