ROUGHYEDS are happy to confirm that we were one of the vast majority of clubs that voted in favour of Club Grading at a meeting of the RL Council this week.
This week may turn out to be one of the most important weeks in the history of Rugby League. The clubs met and voted in Huddersfield on the grading system that would be used in future to measure a club’s progress.
Oldham director Haydn Walker, whose special role involves Club Grading, IMG and the like, gave his thoughts. He said:
“Prior to the full Council meeting, the RFL chief executive Tony Sutton met with clubs individually to brief them and to answer questions
“We came away from the meeting with a very positive impression. Although, at the moment, we would certainly be a grade C we feel the criteria match our strategic, long-term plans and ambition for the club.
“Although I expected a close vote, 86% of clubs voted in favour of the proposal. For all clubs, including us, the hard work begins now.”
IMG, originally known as an International Management Group, is an American global, sports, events and talent management company with headquarters in New York City.
The RFL has posted a long story on its website, headed: “RFL Council provides strong support for IMG Grading Criteria.”
It goes on : The RL Council, the sport’s decision-making body which comprises representatives from all three pro competitions and the community game, has voted heavily in favour of Club Grading – the first recommendation from IMG, the sport’s long-term strategic partner as part of the ‘Reimaging Rugby League’ strategy.
At a special general meeting in Huddersfield the recommendations were approved by a majority of clubs in each of the three divisions and unanimous support from the community game.
Simon Johnson, chair of the RFL and a board member of Rugby League Commercial, said:
“This was a hugely significant day for the sport. Our clubs were unanimous in supporting the 12-year strategic partnership with IMG in 2022 and have now given strong support for the Club Grading recommendation which is crucial in allowing the sport to grow and to fulfil its potential on both the domestic and international stages.
“In terms of Club Grading it is important to stress that there will be no changes to the existing arrangements for promotion and relegation this season. This autumn illustrative gradings will be produced, providing all with a clear idea of where they stand 12 months before gradings are updated to determine membership of the top tier in 2025.”
