Summer switch moves step closer

The RFL and BARLA have agreed to unite to find the best possible way forward for the sport following the community board's recommendation.

It accepted the findings of a formal consultation on the subject and agreed that it indicated a clear desire to plan for a change to the season structure.

RFL chairman Richard Lewis said: "I'm delighted that the RFL and BARLA will be working together to decide how best to respond to the community board's decision and also to ensure that all parts of the game benefit."

BARLA vice-chairman John Pattinson said: "BARLA completely support the independence and outcome of the consultation and will continue to act in the interests of the leagues, clubs and players.

"We are committed to working with the community game in the best interests of the sport."

A working group including representatives from BARLA and the RFL will be formed to plan and initiate any changes to the season structure.

The recommendation was made by the Community Board – which accepts that some leagues will continue to play during the winter months and also that there are a number of detailed issues to work through – after reviewing evidence gathered during a formal consultation process with the grassroots of the sport.

This recommendation will now be communicated to all junior, youth and open age clubs and leagues who have the final decision on when they want to play the sport.

The RFL and BARLA will also be speaking to match officials, volunteers, coaches and players while the Community Board will reconvene on July 16 to approve a timetable and action plan on how a March-November competition structure and framework could be implemented by 2012 at the earliest.