This was the original post to Future of the Game. How do the comments on that thread add to what is clearly chaos in the game ATM.
It seems about as chaotic No 10, currently. How can we steer around the chaos these fools have caused?
Folks, in these troubled times, we all need to take care of ourselves, our loved ones and our communities, but we all need to work out how our game can get through this for the good of millions in the RL family.
How can Rugby League ensure that we have an Elite Level at SL, a middle tier at Championship/Champ 1 level and also at community level in every small town and village up and down the country.
I have a suggestion for your comments and analysis. It is far from perfect, but put out their for consideration of fans and the leaders of OUR game. It takes into consideration that the game employs thousands of players, coaches, back room staff, coaches, admin staff etc. We MUST save our clubs and games.
Suggestion: Super League is cancelled for now (in any case), when it resumes, it should be a smaller competition of the clubs that can pay all of its staff at either full time of part time level. whilst commanding the largest crowds that we can. Clearly the bigger games will command bigger crowds. (Only when that is safe of course) Perhaps eight clubs could manage that in terms of the crowds they could command for those bigger games. Those clubs could loan out the players on the edge, to smaller clubs to ensure that those players continued to be paid at least some wages and can also find other forms in employment to help in the community. The game & RFL could then perhaps agree a percentage from those bigger games taking, to loan (or maybe grants) to the clubs that agree to drop down rather than going bust. Say 10%? This should last for two seasons, starting asap and of course be reviewed after a shorter first season.
The clubs that cannot afford to pay their full time salaries could go part time in a Championship/Championship 1 Divisions [/b] and those players/staff could then be free find other employment in the community whilst keeping the game going, as above. Many will need to find other employment in any case IF clubs cannot survive. Better than to have part time clubs than no clubs at all maybe?
It is clear that our RL communities are likely to suffer more than others elsewhere, a majority of our men work for themselves and many of our women in the public services. Whatever we can do to support them, whilst saving the game at every level, the better.
This post is meant for discussion to look at the bigger picture of the current times AND the bigger of how we save our game for the future. Yes there will be problems and arguments. There always has been sine 1890!!! Now is the time we influence our own game and lives, by working together to save the game.
We will NOT have a Sugar Daddy coming in saving any of our clubs or the game itself. Sky will not save us unless it is financially viable. The BIGGER games sell more. WE need to influence Leaders.
Submitted for sensible responses.
