APPENDIX 18
Memorandum submitted by Mr David Roberts
As an ardent Rugby League Fan, supporting the
Wigan RLFC, I would like to offer you the following as my contribution
to your Committee's deliberations, before you are tempted to put
any monies into Rugby League.
Before any further money, from whatever source,
is put into Rugby League, is anyone aware of the costs of financing
RFL headquarters, the Super League and Super League Europe. What
percentage of the money paid by Sky and "going through the
gates" actually finds its way into the clubs?
The current falling gates are purely as a result
of two factors, both of these factors falling within the control
of the League headquarters. (1) the television deal with Sky meant
that televised games were played at times and on dates to fit
television schedules with no consideration for the fans (2) whatever
the merits of summer rugby, the demands on the leisure time of
the average fan during the summer months is far greater than in
the winter months and gates are falling quite simply because of
family commitments during the summer months.
The fixture lists for Super League clubs are
absolutely crazy. I have seen both coaches and players alike in
the press and on the television state that far too many games
are being played over too short a period. Three games in eight
days is now not unusual. However, that aside, once again, what
consideration is given to the fans—in my opinion—NONE.
The average fan cannot leave their place of employment and then
make a journey of many miles and be at a ground for an evening
match on as many occasions as is currently being asked of them.
These are the reasons that the gates are falling—the fans
are being treated in a totally cavalier fashion by the "powers
that be" and they are paying the price—falling gates.
Please do not look any further than that, the answer to the falling
crowds is in the hands of whoever compiles crazy fixture lists.
I trust that I am giving the impression that
despite the best endeavours of the clubs themselves, it is all
for nothing when the people who make Rugby League what it is—the
fans—appear to be the least consideration by those in authority.
THAT IS WHAT IS WRONG WITH RUGBY LEAGUE.
I trust that the views of not only myself, but
many other like-minded fans will be taken into consideration by
your Committee.
June 1999
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