Are there any other events on the table/in planning for other regions in the US?
At the moment the focus will remain on the RLIF and our application. I am not sure everyone completely understands the real meaning of becoming the NBG For a sport. There is a lot to consider. As much as the high profile status will focus on the National team, its name, selection process, etc. The truth is that we must continue to set up and work on the things we have been doing for the last 4 years.
- We must continue to develop a minor league (reserve grade comp) on the East Coast. that may be a 2nd tier comp with teams who are not ready for the USARL top tier. Or it may be teams in the USARL top comp who are able to field a 2nd team. or a combo of both. Obviously due to travel costs, the 2nd tier will need to be very regional.
- We need to continue the youth efforts in the North East, and also start developing relationships with High School and Colleges. We must find the right path to drive the game into a younger group of athletes.
- Expansion also needs to done. All the groups that we have been talking with over the last four years, will continue to need support and guidance. There are groups in Texas, Mid West, California, Hawaii, North West, etc. These are in addition to the groups who wish to start teams on the East Coast. And of course the former AMNRL teams who are interested in continuing in the USARL.
- Development of Officials and Coaches, as well as the development of administrators who can assist with both.
- Comp structure. We need to look at what kind of structure works for all these teams. A USARL Top Tier Comp for teams who can compete and fund at that level? Then a 2nd tier comp in a regional basis, then other remote regions, etc.
- Business and Sponsor opportunities. Another important part of developing an NGB.
- International relationships with teams, countries, administrators, etc.
- Developing a region with our neighbors in Canada and Jamaica to ensure we have a strong "global district"
- Look at TV deals in the future
- How does the partnership between the teams and league work? How does the league encourage teams to grow and prosper, whilst also maintaining control of the sport for the entire country. etc.
- Protection of the brand and development of new regional ones
The list goes on and on.
And these are only a JUST A FEW of that things that the "Phone will Ring About". When you think about all the things that we need to consider, there needs to be a lot of input, careful thinking, clear direction, and the one thing that many overlook...accountability. We are about to lay a foundation for a VERY big building that is expected to last forever, and we need careful planning. Of course a transparent plan is also important.
And we all need to remember, that during the first couple of years this all needs to be done without anyone being paid. Everyone volunteers their time in the USARL. From teams, the bod members, to the executives. It is all Pro Bono.
There are always things that can be found for many "costs". For instance we have found a Trademark Lawyer who was interested in a sponsorship during the Broadcast of the game last weekend. So we discussed the Trademark applications that will be needed moving forward as part of that partnership.
Among the current USARL membership with have a great number of people with incredible skills. Their regular day jobs included, Accountants, IT pros, PR and Marketing Firms, Lawyers, Event Planners, advertising sales, travel planners, etc.
We just need to make sure that the process is carefully planned with one eye on the entire picture.
And 99% of what we do will need to come from input of those who have the ability to understand the business of sports in the USA. All of us love the international perspective, and some great ideas that come from those overseas who offer it, but the truth is that a lot of things that "work" in other countries may not be successful in the USA.
Providing our application is approved, we are about to become the National Governing Body for Rugby League in the ENTIRE United States. If you stop and think about every phone call that the ARL gets, and the spectrum of what all those calls are about, it is a task that needs to be taken carefully.
We are about to set up a business that is expected to grow to include every state in the USA, last forever, cover athletes from kids to seniors, allow for a variety of operations levels, etc. Not exactly something that is to be taken lightly.
