The first two clubs to comply with the Lebanese Rugby League Federation’s new regulations have been confirmed. The oldest club in Lebanon, Tripoli RLFC, and the youngest, El Mina RLFC, both paid their membership fees to complete the registration process, adopted through an extraordinary general meeting in September 2018 following a six-month consultation process. A third club, Wolves RLFC, is close to compliance.
To maintain membership on an annual basis clubs must present official papers proving they are not government debtors, have at least 20 registered players, and submit their annual report to the Ministry of Youth and Sport, in line with Lebanese sports law. The annual report comprises minutes of the club AGM, accounts and an activity report.
“We are pleased that new regulations are in place to raise standards,” said Tripoli director Dr Jihad Achkar. “The club championship should be the pinnacle competition but due to fragile clubs the season often fractured. We must all work hard to create real clubs with depth that can become a true part of their communities. It is hard work but we are on the right track. Tripoli has a large pool of potential players and we have not done enough to attract them to rugby league or provide them with a stable environment.”
Both Tripoli and Al Mina have applied to the government for financial support, which will enable them to buy kits and operate a season. In a major boost, both clubs have also been granted permission to train and play out of the Olympic Stadium, the country’s second biggest ground. This asset will serve to attract new players who can train in a high quality environment.
Both the Tripoli Kings and El Mina Sharks have played matches in the pilot Lebanese Rugby League competition, part of the LRLF’s reform agenda. The federation suspended the 2018-19 season following the decision taken in March 2018 to lift standards – but the pilot LRL will allow the federation to crown a champion. Both the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons suffered a fifty per cent forfeit rate as clubs struggled to meet calendar obligations. In comparison, the College RL D1 2018-19 season only suffered one forfeit.
“We are the youngest club, established 2016, so we have the opportunity to ensure that operations are done right as we are part of the general assembly,” said El Mina RLFC President, Madame Laila Amouni. “We participated last year in the youth championship and are building a volunteer base. Engagement with our community and local government support will ensure a sustainable and successful future.”
