Australian Rugby League

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The Australian Rugby League (ARL) is the governing body for the sport of rugby league in Australia. It is made up of state bodies, including the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) and the Queensland Rugby League (QRL). The ARL Board comprises three members from the NSWRL, three members from the QRL and a chairman who holds the casting vote. The current ARL chairman is Colin Love.

Contents 1 History 1.1 1924-1994: Control of international matters 1.2 1995-1997: Control of the first grade competition 1.2.1 Australian Rugby League Premiers 1.3 1998-present 2 ARL Foundation 2.1 Mini footy 2.2 Mod league 3 Members 3.1 Affiliated states 3.2 Affiliated leagues 4 See also 5 External link

[edit] History

[edit] 1924-1994: Control of international matters

The Australian Rugby League Board of Control (later the Australian Rugby League) was formed in December 1924 to administer the running of the national team. George Ball was the first secretary of the Board and John La Maro the first chairman. Prior to this time, international rugby league was organised by the NSWRL and the QRL. It was only after this time that the Australian team began to wear the now familiar sporting colours of Green and Gold. During this period it as known as the ARFL, (Australian Rugby Football League).

Until 1984 the ARL was run by the NSWRL, and many Queensland players and administrators throughout this period believed that the NSWRL used this power to the detriment of Queenslanders, especially with respect to national team selection. Ken Arthurson was the first executive chairman of the separate secretariete.

[edit] 1995-1997: Control of the first grade competition

In 1995 the ARL took control of the Winfield Cup competition from the NSWRL, following the inclusion of teams from Perth, Townsville and Auckland.

Kerry Packer's announcement that he owned both free-to-air and pay television broadcasting rights for the sport was the catalyst for News Limited to create a rival competition, Super League (Australia). Both competitions ran in parallel in 1997. Despite the financial clout of both News Limited and Optus (the ARL's principal backer), it was not viable to run two competitions and the National Rugby League was formed from the ARL and Super League competitions.

[edit] Australian Rugby League Premiers

Season	Grand Final Information			Minor Premiers
	Premiers	Score	Runners-Up
1995	Sydney Bulldogs	17-4	Manly-Warringah	Manly-Warringah
1996	Manly-Warringah	20-8	St. George	Manly-Warringah
1997	Newcastle Knights	22-16	Manly-Warringah	Manly-Warringah

[edit] 1998-present

Today the ARL is responsible for administering the State of Origin competition, the New South Wales City-Country competition and the national team, the Kangaroos.

[edit] ARL Foundation

The ARL Foundation, also known as ARL Development, is a non-profit company formed by the ARL and NRL to develop the sport from an introductory level to the age of 18 years. In achieving this , the ARL Foundation has developed new modified codes that gradually introduce children to rugby league. This is done by restricting the rules and then gradually releasing these restrictions.

The two introductory modified codes currently in use are mini footy and mod league. On completion of mod league, players make a move to full international rugby league laws.

[edit] Mini footy

To provide a safer and less intimidating environment, the following changes have been made to the international rugby league laws:

• 3x10minute periods
• 8 players per team
• 4 tackles
• No kicking
• Small field and football
• Every player has a minimum of one full period
• Nationally accredited coaches, referees and first aid officers
• Code of Conduct and safe play code enforced

These modifications are aimed at providing a child with a safe environment, a firm knowledge of the rules of the sport and time to practice the skills such as tackling, passing and common defensive and attacking tactics.

[edit] Mod league

Mod league introduces rules more common to the full international laws of rugby league, whilst also keeping the theme of being an introductory level. It is a necessary bridge between mini footy and the full rigours of international rugby league laws.

Similarities with Mini footy:

• Tackle below armpits
• Code of Conduct and safe play code enforced
• Every player has a minimum of one half
• Nationally accredited coaches, referees and first aid officers

Changes to bridge the gap between mini footy to rugby league:

• Kicking (without bombs)
• 2x20 minute halves
• Maximum number of players per team on the field at once is 11 at ages 9, 10, 11 and 13 at age 12
• 6 tackles

[edit] Members

• New South Wales Rugby League
• Queensland Rugby League

[edit] Affiliated states

• Northern Territory Rugby League
• South Australian Rugby League
• Tasmanian Rugby League
• Victorian Rugby League
• Western Australia Rugby League

[edit] Affiliated leagues

• Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League
• Australian Universities Rugby League
• School Sports Australia
• Australian Police Rugby League
• Australian Women's Rugby League

[edit] See also

• Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame
• Australia national team
• National Rugby League
• State of Origin

[edit] External link

• Official site