Rugby LeagueNational PrioritiesThe Rugby League, in consultation with English Schools Rugby League, community clubs, leagues and Service Areas, undertook a competition review and developed its National Competition Framework to build on present good practise. The competition framework provides opportunities for all young people to participate, from the modified game at year 3 to the 13 aside game. It offers alternative activities such as tag rugby either as an introduction or a way to encourage young people who would not normally be engaged with school sport. The basis of the framework is built on partnership working to provide the most appropriate competitive opportunity for young people. Key Messages Primary School aged children Secondary School aged young people
South Yorkshire's plan for Rugby LeagueThe secondary schools focus is across all age groups and focuses on boys particularly, with priority focus being on years 7 & 8. Each secondary school within each partnership is invited to take part in a City competition as a lead into the National Champion Schools competition. This takes place for each age group (years 7-11). The winners of each age group go through to a County (South Yorkshire) final. This competition is strategically planned to take place prior to the October half term holiday so that the winners of the County competition can compete in the Regional (Yorkshire) Champion Schools competition for which teams need to be submitted by the beginning of May. The Competition Manager team has met several times with the South Yorkshire Development Officer for Rugby League. One identified area for development is the league structure for the sport at Secondary School level. Currently, Rugby League encourages a merit league whereby schools are asked to organise the fixtures for the league between themselves. However, this has proved not to be too successful and is therefore an area for development to encourage young people to play competitive Rugby League on a more structured and regular basis. A central venue league has been suggested which will reduce issues of teams not turning up as a number of teams will be present to play one another, but this will also reduce the issue of time constraints and staff commitment. The aim of this league will be to reduce the gap between playing tag Rugby at primary school to playing contact Rugby at Secondary school, and emphasis will be less on the competitive aspect of the game but more on the development of the skills of the young people playing. There are two professional clubs in South Yorkshire, Doncaster RFLC and Sheffield Eagles, with whom the School Sports Partnerships have formed strong working relationships. The professional clubs deliver coaching and festivals within the schools across the South Yorkshire area. The Sheffield Competition Manager team will also work with the local club to encourage participation for girls through a potential festival event, leading to the National Schools Competition. ContactsJulia Lee, National Community Development Manager
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