NEW POINTS SYSTEM - NL1

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A new system of awarding competition points in National League One, National League Two and the Northern Rail Cup group stages is to be introduced with immediate effect.




Under the new system, clubs will be awarded three competition points for a win, two competition points for a draw and one competition point if they lose a match by 12 points or fewer.

A club that looses a match by 13 points or more will be awarded no competition points from that particular fixture.

The new competition points system was agreed after productive discussions were held between the RFL and all member clubs in both National Leagues. It will be implemented from the start of the 2007 season onwards.

Nigel Wood, the RFL’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Following discussions, we are excited to be introducing this new development for clubs competing in the National Leagues and Northern Rail Cup in the 2007 season.

“We believe this is a progressive move and will generate increased levels of competition and interest in the National Leagues and Northern Rail Cup.

"The RFL believes it will encourage an exciting, attacking brand of Rugby League for spectators to enjoy throughout the forthcoming season.

“The system is an element of our ongoing efforts to increase the profile of the sport at this level and we look forward to watching this new development helping to continue the vibrant growth of the Northern Rail Cup and the National Leagues”.

The new competition points system:

Win – Three points.

Draw – Two points.

Loss by 12 points or fewer - One point.


Benefits of the new system:

KEEPS GAMES ALIVE LONGER
By offering a tangible reward for strong, consistent performance over 80 minutes, the new system encourages teams to keep competing in games that they may not be able to win. To move the scoreboard in their favour, teams will play an attacking brand of Rugby League which will increase the spectacle and entertainment at many matches throughout the season.

ADDS AN EXTRA DIMENSION
The points system creates additional possible outcomes to games. Spectators have more to consider as they watch the action unfold. The system creates opportunities for clubs to take their destiny into their own hands and make a positive ‘impact’ on their League position. This will invigorate the competition tables in both the Northern Rail Cup and the National Leagues and will create greater levels of intrigue and excitement as the season progresses.

STRENGTHENS THE COMPETITION
The system encourages teams to be consistent and produce an optimum performance in all their matches throughout the season. This will stimulate individual players and teams to ‘raise their game’ which in turn will have a positive impact on the intensity and the on-field standards of the sport at this level.

STRIKES THE RIGHT BALANCE
Last year, the RFL commissioned a study prior to introducing this new system. The study looks at what would happen if the new system had applied in the 2004 and 2005 National League seasons. The results showed the system did not disproportionately distort competition tables or give teams that lost matches too great a reward. Also, the system does not exacerbate the gap between strong and weak teams. In short, the new system strikes the right balance between creating additional excitement and interest and maintaining the integrity of the League and Cup tournaments.