Australian Rugby League

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.

History

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 Baord 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.

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.

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.

Australian Rugby League Grand Finals

Year	Score
1995	Canterbury def. Manly 17-4
1996	Manly def. St. George 20-8
1997	Newcastle def. Manly 22-16

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.

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.

Mini footy

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

3x10 minute periods
8 players per team
4 tackles
No kicking
Tackles below armpits
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.

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

Members

Affiliated states

Affiliated leagues

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

External link

Official site

Rugby league governing bodies | Sports governing bodies in Australia | Rugby league in Australia

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