Definition of sportAn activity in which players or teams compete against each other, governed by a set of defined rules, usually an activity that involves physical effort.[/i

Is RL any longer a sport, or has it just no credibility? Does that fact that some teams are allowed to play by different rules of the game make the game not a sport? Can anyone think of another sport that allows teams in direct competition to operate under different regulations?
My argument is that RL is currently not a credible 'sport' - discuss.

RL , is a sport , yes

However certain parts of that sport are pushing the borders of what is acceptable as a level and fair competition

And by scrapping promotion and relegation, there is nothing for the sides in the lower leagues to aim for. Can you name any other sport where you get absolutely nothing for finishing top, but can finish in the top half and still go down? Rugby League is as much as a credible sport as WWE Wrestling.

But in its true form, 'sport' has those in competition competing within an equal set of rules and regulations. Does the fact that the overseas quota 'rule' is different for some teams (regardless of whether or not you agree it should be) actually remove RL from this definition?

Rugby Union has a similar system for getting nothing for finishing top.

How do you finish in the top half and still go down?

But at least in this example all teams that actually competing against each other do so within identical rules and regulations.
My point is when Crusaders play Wakefield, does this constitute 'sport' as one team is allowed to to operate under different rules in terms of overseas quota players.

We finished 5th last season and are everyones favourites to go down. I also don't get that if your stadium isn't safe enough for Super League it is safe enough for the Championship? Are supporters of Wigan more important than those of Featherstone?

Cas or Wakey could quite easily finish in the top half of SL in 2011 , and win the Challenge Cup , but end up in the Championship in 2012

Quins have less to worry about

As for Union , the club finishing top/winning the second tier will have the opportunity to do what the following year ?

Yes, of course it's a sport.

If there is one thing which undermines RL being credibly a sport I would say it's the discrepancy between NRL, SL and International rules which is threatening the sport from being governed by one unified set of rules. I would like the rules to be universally applied everywhere.

By 5th do you mean 11th?

Quote: nottinghamtiger "Can anyone think of another sport that allows teams in direct competition to operate under different regulations? My argument is that RL is currently not a credible 'sport' - discuss.'" www.irb.com/newsmedia/mediazone/ ... 22256.html Extract: The southern hemisphere’s showpiece provincial competition, the Super 14, gets underway this weekend and while the action promises to be as fierce as ever, the spotlight will focus on an exciting new dimension to the competition – the introduction of several of the International Rugby Board’s Experimental Law Variations (ELVs). While the ELV trial process has incorporated a number of Tournaments around the world over the past two years, the SANZAR competition, comprising provincial sides from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and some of the biggest names in the Game, will represent the highest level of testing to date.

Quote: nottinghamtiger "Can anyone think of another sport that allows teams in direct competition to operate under different regulations? My argument is that RL is currently not a credible 'sport' - discuss.'" www.irb.com/newsmedia/mediazone/ ... 22256.html Extract: The southern hemisphere’s showpiece provincial competition, the Super 14, gets underway this weekend and while the action promises to be as fierce as ever, the spotlight will focus on an exciting new dimension to the competition – the introduction of several of the International Rugby Board’s Experimental Law Variations (ELVs). While the ELV trial process has incorporated a number of Tournaments around the world over the past two years, the SANZAR competition, comprising provincial sides from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and some of the biggest names in the Game, will represent the highest level of testing to date.

Thread fail.

American Football, teams have disappeared many times, despite being fine and dandy.

He said credible sport , not a single country infatuation

My God, this is an embarrassing topic started by your typical whinging leaguey. Let's have a look one by one shall we...



That is talking about rules within the game itself, not rules administering the sport. The sport is the product on the pitch, and all teams play by the same rules on the field. You don't see teams getting more subs, extra points, etc.

So yes, RL is a credible sport, and the things you've pointed out are irrelevant whinges.

Yes it does, because they play by the same rules on the pitch. Off-field regulations are "league" specific and have nothing to do with the sport as a whole.
Again, stop whinging.


My God, this is up there with top whinge of the year. Nothing to play for? What about pride? The trophy? Money? Not everything is about promotion. How come you're not defending getting P&R between CC1 and the RLCN? Or is it a case of only when your club is involved?


No you didn't, you finished 11th.
And your point about the stadiums is again, another irrational whinge with little thought. There are more fans at SL clubs than there are in the Championship, so a stadium needs to be safe enough to accommodate them. And not only accommodate them, but needs to be of a good enough quality to attract them. If it's got crap views, then it'll put people off going, which harms the product.
You're just throwing your toys out the pram.