Maybe, at this stage, they want to be seen as being on board. Any club, being strongly against the changes, could find themselves with a steeper hill to climb.
Let's be honest here, whichever set of criteria is put forward will help some clubs more than others and certainly, if different aspects are weighted more heavily than others, certain clubs will benefit. Even though they have said there will be no mergers, IF part of the criteria is proximity to other clubs, this would hepl say, London, York and Newcastle and would count in the minus column for us. Having said that, details need to be given to clubs at the earliest opportunity, so that they can get on with counting plastic seats and toilets with a closing lid etc.
So how many teams will be in Super League? In IMG's words, that is 'open and fluid'. The goal is that in the coming years, those Category B clubs who get a place in Super League develop on and off the field to such an extent they are awarded Category A grading. Once Super League has 12 Category A teams - Super League won't be reduced to ten teams, it will remain at 12 - the prospect of expanding the competition to include more teams becomes a reality.
Open and Fluid. To me this really is open to abuse, the “A” team can decide who joins them, and only if the funding will stretch to additional newcomers.
When does the grading system kick in? Clubs will be told their initial grading at the end of next year, ahead of them being rolled out on an illustrative basis for 2024. That means next year is the final year with conventional promotion and relegation as we know it. Then, in late-2024, after a review of the grades has taken place, 2025 sees the Category A clubs in Super League, joined by the highest-ranked Category B clubs that takes the total to 12.
Then, in late-2024, after a review of the grades has taken place, 2025 sees the Category A clubs in Super League, joined by the highest-ranked Category B clubs that takes the total to 12
This doesn’t give the “B” teams much time to get themselves organised for the new season, and those “B” teams not selected for the 12, have to adjust to the expectation of lower funding.
So how many teams will be in Super League? In IMG's words, that is 'open and fluid'. The goal is that in the coming years, those Category B clubs who get a place in Super League develop on and off the field to such an extent they are awarded Category A grading. Once Super League has 12 Category A teams - Super League won't be reduced to ten teams, it will remain at 12 - the prospect of expanding the competition to include more teams becomes a reality.
Open and Fluid. To me this really is open to abuse, the “A” team can decide who joins them, and only if the funding will stretch to additional newcomers.
When does the grading system kick in? Clubs will be told their initial grading at the end of next year, ahead of them being rolled out on an illustrative basis for 2024. That means next year is the final year with conventional promotion and relegation as we know it. Then, in late-2024, after a review of the grades has taken place, 2025 sees the Category A clubs in Super League, joined by the highest-ranked Category B clubs that takes the total to 12.
Then, in late-2024, after a review of the grades has taken place, 2025 sees the Category A clubs in Super League, joined by the highest-ranked Category B clubs that takes the total to 12
This doesn’t give the “B” teams much time to get themselves organised for the new season, and those “B” teams not selected for the 12, have to adjust to the expectation of lower funding.
Along with a likely complete mess for players having contracts cancelled too. As I said it will be hard for B clubs to plan and sign players to long term contracts if they can just be torn up.
If I were a player and I got offered two contracts from a B and an A club for 3 years yet the B offered 5k more a year I’d probably still sign for the A club for the guaranteed security.
There’s so many questions but the A clubs will have advantage in all areas certainly for initial/early years of the transition.
But the worry about not being A grade and pointing at IMG is what holds us back. We've been given a target (or will be) to achieve an A grade status and secure our future. Rather than moan that they are against us, surely we target the areas we need to improve and go get the A status. Simples.
But the worry about not being A grade and pointing at IMG is what holds us back. We've been given a target (or will be) to achieve an A grade status and secure our future. Rather than moan that they are against us, surely we target the areas we need to improve and go get the A status. Simples.
Absolutely, just think it’s going to be more challenging for some clubs than others. I expect we may have to put a lot of effort and have further facility improvements to be considered an A. We won’t truly know what’s needed to get an A until it’s released though.
It’s unknown at the moment and I guess the concern is that we have only 2 years (or less) to secure either a top B or A status. That’s a very short amount of time imho.
I’m confident we are starting on a good position in a few areas though such as youth, community and financial management. I have confidence in those who run the club to show the improvement necessery.
Absolutely, just think it’s going to be more challenging for some clubs than others. I expect we may have to put a lot of effort and have further facility improvements to be considered an A. We won’t truly know what’s needed to get an A until it’s released though.
It’s unknown at the moment and I guess the concern is that we have only 2 years (or less) to secure either a top B or A status. That’s a very short amount of time imho.
I’m confident we are starting on a good position in a few areas though such as youth, community and financial management. I have confidence in those who run the club to show the improvement necessery.
You and PT are probably correct, I just think IMG will give considerable weight to teams outside the normal heartland, London, York, Newcastle, even Cornwall has been mentioned, I just feel Trinity are being elbowed out, I hope I’m wrong and IMG will be squeaky clean when it comes to awarding criteria points.
The new stand and stadium improvements aswell as the car park The incredible financial stability and professional way the clubs is run under Michael Carter, our acadeny and owning our own ground all things that will help our grading
If it is that we don’t make A then we are well on the way to it
We just need to make some good signings and have a good year on the pitch on top of the nee stand now
I’m actually quietly optimistic that the future is bright for us
But the worry about not being A grade and pointing at IMG is what holds us back. We've been given a target (or will be) to achieve an A grade status and secure our future. Rather than moan that they are against us, surely we target the areas we need to improve and go get the A status. Simples.
Watching this from a distance all I see is smoke (no mirrors yet) .. to release a concept with no definition of the concept detail is concerning,
Any assessment must be against the quality of approach of the business plan (holistic plan) and whether the plan is achieving the necessary outcomes for the business..
For example a business plan would include revenue, crowds and growth, community engagement, sponsorship and business transactions, growth of the sport in the community, creating quality pathways for young players and coaches… success on the field across all teams…
It would/ should not include variables outside the business’s control… like location or owners. The business should be stand alone and not rely on subsidies. I’m not saying that teams shouldn’t have rich owners… just that that should not feature in the assessment of the business.
You and PT are probably correct, I just think IMG will give considerable weight to teams outside the normal heartland, London, York, Newcastle, even Cornwall has been mentioned, I just feel Trinity are being elbowed out, I hope I’m wrong and IMG will be squeaky clean when it comes to awarding criteria points.
You may be right and it would be a tragedy for those who have worked so hard to raise the level of the club. Sadly, the hard fact is, we don't have the appeal that seems to be required, we've struggled for years, or 'fan base' is pathetic (but in another way damned good to say our last major trophy was over 50 years ago!) and only now is our ground taking shape. I feel very much our fate is in our hands, and although the theory of what we have to do, as PT puts it is 'simples' the realisation of it is quite the opposite!
