Decision taken regarding Future Competitions Structure by RFU council 27th November 2020
Council member voted on 4 resolutions regarding The Future Competitions Structure (FCS)
- A target date for FCS implementation for season 2022/ 2023
- From implementation of FCS: The size of leagues at level 5 and below to be capped at 12, the size of the leagues at levels 3 and 4 to be capped at 14, and the structured season will contain a protected two week break over the Christmas period and protected breaks (at additional points throughout the season).
- That, subject to agreement on resolution 2, an optional National Knockout Cup(s) will be introduced.
- That a rapid review of competition structure will take place every 3 years.
These resolutions were passed by a large majority 49 (for) 6 (against) 2 (abstentions)
We as your council representative voted in favour of resolution 1 and against resolutions 2, 3, 4
Reasons for voting against
- At this stage we believe there is no need to vote on resolution 2,3,4.
- The Future Competition Structure is for level 3 through to 12, these resolutions only deal with 3-6, and we want to see the whole proposed structure before voting on change.
- The consequences of flattening the League pyramid will mean some Clubs will be “dragged up“ into leagues where they will not be competitive both on the field and also with regard to the financial implications of playing in a higher league.
- We believe that clubs should see modelling of leagues (based on 2019 season) at ALL levels to ensure FCS delivers on its principles of reducing travel time and improving player welfare.
- FCS is based on player welfare/needs and to save travel time. We are not convinced that there is enough evidence that this will be the case at ALL
- FCS has recognised and acknowledged that more work needs to done with levels 7 and below. Included in this could be the introduction of lower XV’s. Proposals will be brought back to the February 2021 Council meeting to discuss further with a final Council vote taken at the April 2021 Council meeting,
In summary, we are not against change and some of the proposals are good. We are happy to discuss in more detail if needed
Paul Kaminski and Steve Guy – RFU Council Members for North Midlands RFU
30th November 2020
