I can't believe it's even been suggested as a reason not to play. Try playing on the fields in Brisbane during the drought! The parking lot surfaces were more forgiving than some of those grounds I played on...

I think that's the point...different clubs have different circumstances - my angst was against the suggestion clubs were being 'pushed'. for some, winter is better, for some, summer is better - that's why it wasnt up to any other organisation other than clubs to choose what they should do. but the point is that clubs needed the information to make a decision based on their circumstances and the earlier that was available the more time to plan.

for some clubs, winter is where they want to play. they might have invested a lot in having facilities etc. suitable for winter and have risen up the leagues on that basis and fair play to them, It's true that some will have to adapt facilities wise (our council in Bury close all pitches for 6 weeks mid-summer for maintenance, not that they ever allowed us to use one anyway!) but that is something we've adapted to. it doesnt mean anyone is being 'pushed'.

BARLA won't be around in the next few years according to my mate who works for the RFL. Everything is being taken under control by the RFL which seems a good idea; after all they are the governing body

The Cumberland League are switching to summer this coming season (a good move IMO given the number of games called off in the previous 2 full seasons) but are strangely having a mid season break in June/July or July/August!

Thank Christ. As long as the same people aren't involved as before and the RFL gets more forward thinking people in control of the leagues and disciplinary then hopefully things might start to change.

From what I've been told, the RFL will pretty much take control of the amateur and semi-pro leagues. The RFL regional managers will be in control but the league will run themselves.