West Bowling A.R.L.F.C.

Chairperson: Opened the meeting by explaining the history behind the problems we were having. A low number of teams in 2010/11 season in the U14s, combined with those opting for the new Four Seasons playing season, and those playing up a year in the combination meant we could not run an Under 15s and clubs had found it necessary to play in an alternative league – most Yorkshire Juniors, it also left our U14’s and U13’s short on numbers. Just before Christmas a number of U14’s and some U13’s decided they would prefer to move to the Four Seasons structure, either for the playing schedule, or the higher number of teams available to play. At their request fixtures were continuing to end January.


By mid January it was evident the U14s was no longer viable, and the U13s was going the same way. Martin Queen went to meet with Andy Harland and Dave Raybould (Rita should have attended but unfortunately was unable to make it). It was decided that at this point we could not salvage those age groups.


Martin and Donna (in Rita’s place) then met with Andy Harland and Charlie Bray to look at a smooth transition of clubs/teams to Yorkshire Junior League. What wasn’t known was how many teams at 8’s to 12’s would want to also move over to Yorkshire Junior League. A couple of clubs had decided that if one team had to go they would all go, whilst other clubs wanted to keep younger teams in the West Riding.

Rumours were flying about, some based in fact, some not so factual, the emergency meeting was called to ask clubs what they wanted. Prior to the meeting Martin and Donna had tried to get an idea of the teams clubs were running. It was clear from the numbers that U12’s were not going to be viable, but all the other age groups would be.


The floor was opened for questions. Sheffield asked about flexibility with playing Sunday’s – Martin explained that they could ask for Saturday games, and the beauty of light nights meant mid-week games.


Clubs were then asked to see Martin/Donna to confirm teams staying, whilst we waited for the visitors to arrive. Many clubs did confirm and register at that point. Other clubs confirmed teams, and will return registration papers next week. We could then confirm that the numbers were sufficient to run the league.


Therefore the decision was to continue with U16s to U18s to the end of the season – what happens next will be dependent on the combination league. Sadly let the U12s to U15s fold – and help with the transfer to other leagues go as smoothly as possible. Run U8’s to U11’s as planned. Cup Finals would therefore only be for U16s to U18s – date to be confirmed asap.




Visitors: Martin introduced the visitors and handed over to Charlie Bray to explain the procedures and answer any questions:-


Charlie explained that the YJL hadn’t come to pick off clubs, that clubs had come to them. They were committed to children getting the opportunity to play rugby league, and they knew they would be facing difficulties with the new four seasons and the additional clubs that had both approached them, and that were having to move to them because of the problems in West Riding.


There would be approximately 5 divisions per age group, and the season would be starting the first weekend in March. The matches are spread over 2 days (see below), at recommended times, but clubs can change to a mutually agreed time (also gave the answer to Sheffield that mid-week games could be arranged if problems with Sundays).


Under 8’s, 9’s, 14’s and 15’s play on Sundays.

Under 10’s, 11’s 12’s and 13’s play on Saturdays.


Clubs are permitted 2 postponements per season (1 in the first half, 1 in the second), and this must be notified by the Tuesday.


Cup games in the league are not compulsory (the top half play in the Challenge Cup, the bottom in the Continuation Cup), however if you enter BARLA cups you automatically join the League’s cup competition. Need to sit down with district leagues to discuss cup games. Will not be allowed free weeks for BARLA, district cup games.


Delegates meetings are bi-monthly on the first Monday (February, April, June....)


How to transfer Clubs/Teams this season.


1. E-mail Charlie ( Charles.bray1@ntlworld.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) to apply, giving club details and age groups moving. This needs to be done in time for the for the February agenda to go out.

2. Complete the registration form on the website www.yorkshirejuniorsarl.co.uk

3. Attend the delegates meeting on February 6th 7.30pm at Shaw Cross Rugby Club, where the delegates will vote on clubs entering the league. Handbooks will be issued to new clubs.

4. All currently signed on players will be transferred by Rugby League Services from the WRYARL to the YJL, you will only need to register players not already signed on (see instructions on their website).

5. If you have already paid the insurance for a team you do not need to pay it again – future seasons, and if you haven’t already paid you pay through the league.

6. Remember to ask your District League for permission to move playing leagues


Questions not covered above:-

Will there be enough referees? That’s a question that is not yet known, there should be, but some referee societies are doubtful.

How flexible are playing days/times – Saturdays are completely unavailable to Hoyland. Dave and Andy from the RFL said that they would help Hoyland with the facilities problem.

What are the boundaries? There are no boundaries, and overall this has caused less problems than boundaries did, there are still transfer rules to try and combat super team building.

What about poaching? Coaches found poaching are disciplined – one coach recently received a 12 month ban for poaching.

Would Farnley be allowed back in the Yorkshire League? The answer was that it would be up to delegates, the representatives again said they would step in and help with the issues – but the details should be dealt with at a separate meeting from tonight.


Charlie referred clubs to the website again, where all contacts, rules etc were available, he would be happy to answer any specific questions clubs had if they wanted to ring him.