The RFL tackles grassroots pitches
The RFL has assembled a playing surfaces steering group consisting of some of this country's leading pitch care specialists to improve the standard of pitches across Rugby League's community game.
The new playing surfaces steering group will consist of English Cricket Board pitch consultant Chris Wood, Geoff Webb from the institute of Groundsmanship, Headingley Carnegie Groundsman Jason Booth, Tony Atherton from Sport England, TrioPlus consultant David Carpenter alongside David Gent and Carol Doran from the RFL.
Carol Doran, RFL Facilities Trust Manager said: "Traditionally Rugby League has had some of the worst pitches in sport and this was confirmed through the recent undertaking of a review of Rugby League pitches by the RFL and it is something which we want to change.
"The new playing surfaces steering group will help owners and users of Rugby League's stock of pitches, to analyse their current condition and work on improving the overall quality of pitches throughout the game.
"Another important task is educating the current Groundstaff and getting the clubs and their members to understand the importance of this integral role and what it involves.
"The RFL will be launching an introductory course in September which will be run by the Institute of Groundsmanship and will be focussed on improving and preparing pitches for the transition to summer.
Rugby League's Facilities Trust receives funding from the RFL's Whole Sport Plan for its work to improve Rugby League pitches and has already carried out a number of pitch reports.
The RFL Facilities Trust will be working with Sport England and leading turf care specialists on developing a summer pitch care package for Tiers 3 and 4 of the new competition structure.
All Tier 3 clubs will receive a full assessment of their pitches and what work is required to improve them.
Pitch care guidance is being worked on so that by next summer all Tier 3 clubs will have a volunteer who has been on a Groundsperson course and will be provided with a summer pitch care guidance package. The intention is then at the earliest opportunity to extend this to all Tier 4 clubs.
