Nearly 13 years of the AMNRL have past, so where does the league stand and what is its future?
With 11 teams, representing 7 different states along the eastern seaboard and a somewhat active international side currently competing against other sub par internationals (Jamaica & Canada); in addition to a rumored expansion, the AMNRL has seen its ups and downs over the years.
The league has been plagued by lack of talent, both from a leadership and player perspective. A select few clubs stand out from the rest (Jacksonville, Philadelphia, New Haven & New York Knights) while others try to catch their breath, but sadly never do (Northern Raiders of New York).
The premiere clubs in the league recognize that to be successful in the AMRL you must do it yourself, as the AMNRL lacks the proper provisions. Sponsors, players, coaching/training/medial staff, board members, proper training/game day facilities, community involvement, advertisement, web presence, merchandise and much more goes into a successful club not an easy feat!
The sport of rugby league in America is merely a tiny little spec on the sporting scene. More so, the sport of rugby in general (Union & 7s) is a 3rd level sport with the likes of soccer and lacrosse being 2nd level and football, basketball, baseball being top tier. Plus, 2nd and top tier sports offer college scholarships and big paydays if you turn professional. In the vast majority of colleges and universities, the sport of rugby does not.
Think about it there are only a few hundred people who currently play the game of rugby league in America with a population of over 310 Million. If the game was introduced to younger generations, you might be able to increase this number to a couple of thousand. And then, you would have highly skilled American born talent ready to compete at a high level. This also is not an easy feat, but it all has to start somewhere.
You see, to be successful in growing rugby league or any sport for that matter in the United States you must introduce the game at a much younger level. Most players do not know what the sport of rugby is until they are roughly 18 and are in college or a university. To make it even more difficult for the sport, rugby league is not played at the collegiate level, so you have 21 year old + union players jumping into play league for the first time. To make matters worse, 7s dominates league in the US. Its played during the same season with some of the best talent in America. Thats a huge problem that has yet to been solved.
Bringing in players from oversees, ex-professionals, ex-football players, celebrity endorsements and so on will do very little for the future of rugby league in America. That will be needed much later down the road, once the roots have been established.
The AMNRL, unfortunately, is still acting like an infant thats 13 years old and has yet to learn how to use the toilet. Now that being noted, there have been some decent strides along the way or the league would not be operating today. Overall, it can be done better.
With attendance at most matches being that less of 20 people to 200 to 1,500, everyone can see that this is not a popular sport in America. Clubs within the AMNRL that are not on the same page as some of the premiere clubs need to step up their game or create their own division and build up a program to then reapply to enter in the AMNRL once finances, players, staff and so on is secured.
Continue to go down the same path by not introducing this great sport to Americas youth, rugby league in America will never reach its true greatness.
Recommendation:
- AMNRL revamps its vision and goals
- Clubs must show the following to enter into the AMNRL competition:
o Financials
o Player Pool
o Youth Program
o Proper Facilities
o Board of Directors
o Coach/Training/Medical Staff
o Referee Program
o Import Program
- Divisional leagues to be created for those clubs who are yet to meet the AMNRL selection criteria
- Divisional clubs must show the following to compete:
o Financials
o Player Pool
o Youth Program
o Board of Directors
o Coaching Staff
o Referee Program
The AMNRL has the potential to do great things, but it will take those who are committed to see the game grow and not just a select few.
One final thought What can you do to help this great sport grow, flourish and succeed?
Get involved, as its more than just posting on forums. Throw your hat in and contact the leaders of the AMNRL today.
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With 11 teams, representing 7 different states along the eastern seaboard and a somewhat active international side currently competing against other sub par internationals (Jamaica & Canada); in addition to a rumored expansion, the AMNRL has seen its ups and downs over the years.
The league has been plagued by lack of talent, both from a leadership and player perspective. A select few clubs stand out from the rest (Jacksonville, Philadelphia, New Haven & New York Knights) while others try to catch their breath, but sadly never do (Northern Raiders of New York).
The premiere clubs in the league recognize that to be successful in the AMRL you must do it yourself, as the AMNRL lacks the proper provisions. Sponsors, players, coaching/training/medial staff, board members, proper training/game day facilities, community involvement, advertisement, web presence, merchandise and much more goes into a successful club not an easy feat!
The sport of rugby league in America is merely a tiny little spec on the sporting scene. More so, the sport of rugby in general (Union & 7s) is a 3rd level sport with the likes of soccer and lacrosse being 2nd level and football, basketball, baseball being top tier. Plus, 2nd and top tier sports offer college scholarships and big paydays if you turn professional. In the vast majority of colleges and universities, the sport of rugby does not.
Think about it there are only a few hundred people who currently play the game of rugby league in America with a population of over 310 Million. If the game was introduced to younger generations, you might be able to increase this number to a couple of thousand. And then, you would have highly skilled American born talent ready to compete at a high level. This also is not an easy feat, but it all has to start somewhere.
You see, to be successful in growing rugby league or any sport for that matter in the United States you must introduce the game at a much younger level. Most players do not know what the sport of rugby is until they are roughly 18 and are in college or a university. To make it even more difficult for the sport, rugby league is not played at the collegiate level, so you have 21 year old + union players jumping into play league for the first time. To make matters worse, 7s dominates league in the US. Its played during the same season with some of the best talent in America. Thats a huge problem that has yet to been solved.
Bringing in players from oversees, ex-professionals, ex-football players, celebrity endorsements and so on will do very little for the future of rugby league in America. That will be needed much later down the road, once the roots have been established.
The AMNRL, unfortunately, is still acting like an infant thats 13 years old and has yet to learn how to use the toilet. Now that being noted, there have been some decent strides along the way or the league would not be operating today. Overall, it can be done better.
With attendance at most matches being that less of 20 people to 200 to 1,500, everyone can see that this is not a popular sport in America. Clubs within the AMNRL that are not on the same page as some of the premiere clubs need to step up their game or create their own division and build up a program to then reapply to enter in the AMNRL once finances, players, staff and so on is secured.
Continue to go down the same path by not introducing this great sport to Americas youth, rugby league in America will never reach its true greatness.
Recommendation:
- AMNRL revamps its vision and goals
- Clubs must show the following to enter into the AMNRL competition:
o Financials
o Player Pool
o Youth Program
o Proper Facilities
o Board of Directors
o Coach/Training/Medical Staff
o Referee Program
o Import Program
- Divisional leagues to be created for those clubs who are yet to meet the AMNRL selection criteria
- Divisional clubs must show the following to compete:
o Financials
o Player Pool
o Youth Program
o Board of Directors
o Coaching Staff
o Referee Program
The AMNRL has the potential to do great things, but it will take those who are committed to see the game grow and not just a select few.
One final thought What can you do to help this great sport grow, flourish and succeed?
Get involved, as its more than just posting on forums. Throw your hat in and contact the leaders of the AMNRL today.
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