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Section A

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MEMBERSHIP & MEMBERSHIP OBLIGATIONS

Section A1: Membership & Membership Obligations

CLUBS: ACCEPTANCE OF OPERATIONAL RULES

A1:1 All Clubs which participate in Super League, the Championships, or in any league or competition or any game under the jurisdiction of the RFL or organised by the RFL are deemed by acceptance of the invitation to be bound by the Operational Rules (including but not limited to those relating to discipline or Misconduct), the Rules and Regulations of any body of which the RFL is a member, the terms of any agreement entered into by the RFL and the Laws of the Game and accept the jurisdiction of the RFL. A copy of the Laws of the Game and the Operational Rules relevant to the particular competition shall be sent to each of the intended participating Clubs prior to that Club's entry in such competition being accepted.

APPLICABLE LAWS

A1.2 All Clubs which participate in Super League or in any league or competition or any game under the jurisdiction of the RFL or organised by the RFL are required to act in accordance with all applicable laws. Each Club agrees that the RFL shall be entitled to take any action and/or make such orders as it considers appropriate where to do otherwise would knowingly allow a Club to breach any applicable laws even where such behaviour is not prohibited through a strict interpretation of these Operational Rules.

CLUBS: COMPETE IN COMPETITIONS

A1:3 (a) Every Club by becoming a member of the RFL agrees to compete in all competitions under the jurisdiction of the RFL or organised by the RFL in which it is eligible to compete.

(b) A Club shall not play a friendly match or competitive match (ie, any match other than a Cup Tie, a League Match, an Event or a Match in any competition approved by the Board) at any time without receiving the prior written approval of the Board. The Board's consent shall not be unreasonably withheld and the Board in reaching its decision shall pay due regard to the integrity of the respective competitions and the interests of the Game.

INDEMNITY

A1:4 Each Club agrees to indemnify the RFL (together with its Members, officers, employees and contractors) from and against any and all costs, damages, losses, expenses and/or claims (including but not limited to claims for loss of profit or income) which may be made by any third party and which are a consequence whether directly or indirectly, of the fact that the Club has not complied with its obligations in these Operational Rules (whether wilfully, negligently or otherwise howsoever) and whether or not such loss was foreseeable by the RFL and/or the relevant Club at the time of the Club's agreement to be bound by these Operational Rules.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP (Extract from Articles 3.1)

A1:5 Every person who wishes to become a Member shall deliver to the Company an application for Membership in such form as the Directors require executed by him. Any application for Membership shall be made to the Chief Executive and shall be assessed against such criteria as the Board may specify from time to time. Membership is not transferable and shall cease on dissolution.

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MEMBERSHIP & MEMBERSHIP OBLIGATIONS

LICENSING AND CRITERIA FOR A SUPER LEAGUE LICENCE

A1:6 (a) There shall be no promotion or relegation between Super League and Championship from the 2008 Season onwards. Instead for the 2009 Season and for every 3 seasons after that, the Board shall invite applications for membership of Super League from: (i) current Super League Clubs; (ii) Clubs in the Championships that meet minimum standards set by the Board; and (iii) any overseas clubs invited to apply by the Board. Those Clubs being offered and accepting a Super League Licence for 3 years shall participate in Super League – for the avoidance of doubt, all Clubs offered a Licence shall be obliged to re-apply for a further 3 year Licence at the end of each 3 year Licence period. Those either not being offered a place or not accepting a place offered shall: (i) in the case of Super League Clubs, participate in the Championship; (ii) in the case of Clubs in the Championships compete in the League they are currently in, unless they are relegated or promoted in accordance with the rules below, which shall take precedence; or (iii) in the case of overseas clubs invited to apply by the Board and who are not currently in the Super League or the Championships, the Board shall have the discretion to offer a place in one of the Championships or reject the application outright.

(b) The Board’s shall have discretion to set criteria for membership of Super League and discretion to assess Clubs against set criteria and determine membership of Super League from 2009.

(c) At least one Club that has competed in the Championships during the Licence Period 2009 – 2011 and that meets minimum standards set by the Board will be granted a Super League Licence for 2012 – 2014.

(d) At least one Club that has competed in the Championships during the Licence Period 2012 – 2014 and that meets minimum standards set by the Board will be granted a Super League Licence for 2015 – 2017.

(e) For the purposes of A1:6 (a) above the applicant must submit a completed and signed application form and provide such documents, including financial records, as the Board shall at its discretion require.

LICENCE APPLICATION PROCESS

A1:7 The Board shall set a process for application for a Super League Licence, which shall require that:

(a) Clubs will submit to the RFL, at its registered office by such specified date, a signed application form in the form required by the RFL. The RFL shall be entitled to announce which Clubs have applied for a Licence.

(b) It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure any relevant information is made available to the RFL and in a suitable and relevant manner and is accurate. Only information provided by the Club in the application form and any attachments and/or appendices will be considered by the RFL and no information will be accepted by the RFL, unless the RFL has specifically requested it, after such deadline as it shall specify. Late applications will not be considered.

(c) All information given will be treated with confidence although the RFL may need to share information with employees or agents employed as part of this selection process or in relation to the ongoing monitoring of Clubs. Each applicant Club shall, on the RFL’s

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request, provide the RFL with its books and records and access to its premises to enable the RFL to review any information provided by that Club (as the RFL considers appropriate).

d) It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that any change in circumstances, that is known or reasonably ought to be known, which materially affects the applicant’s application, is brought to the attention of the RFL within a reasonable period.

(e) The Board will at the conclusion of assessment process use its discretion to allocate a Super League Licence to those Clubs who in its reasonable opinion it believes are the most suitable Licensee clubs.

(f) There is no appeal against the exercise of the Board’s discretion. However, an applicant Club, who feels that the process has not been applied fairly and reasonably, may apply to the RFL’s Operational Rules Tribunal for a review of the procedure and a declaration as to whether or not the process has been fair and reasonable. In the event that the RFL’s Operational Rules Tribunal concludes that the process has not been fair and reasonable it may order the RFL to carry out the selection process again, with such amendment to the process as it may feel appropriate.

(g) At the conclusion of the process, the RFL will announce the result and will circulate to individual Clubs feedback and marked assessments.

PROMOTION & RELEGATION IN CHAMPIONSHIP

A1:8 (a) For the avoidance of doubt, Clubs which finish in the first to sixth positions in the Championship shall participate in the Championship play-offs leading to a Grand Final. In accordance with Rule A1:6, the winner of the Championship Grand Final shall not be promoted to Super League save through the Licensing process.

(b) In 2012 the RFL Board shall announce, at a time of its own choice, for the 2013 season onward the structure of the Championships (or any successor competition(s)); the criteria for membership for each level of the structure; the teams that will compete in each level of that structure and the Operational Rules that will apply to each level of that structure.

CLUB NAME / LOGOS

A1.9 (a) A Club shall not adopt a title which implies that it is representing, either wholly or in part, a country or county or town or any area or sponsor or commercial organisation nor shall it alter its name from that specified in the schedule unless, in either case, authorised to do so by the Board.

(b) A Club shall not adopt or use any logo which may, in the opinion of the Board, bring the game into disrepute. No Club shall change its logo during the Season and any Club intending to adopt any new logo shall submit the proposed logo to the RFL before 1 January in any year for approval and shall not use such logo until it has received written approval from the RFL of such logo.

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DATA PROTECTION ACT

A1:10 All Clubs and Person Subject to the Operational Rules shall handle all personal data provided to it by the RFL in accordance with applicable data protection laws and any instructions provided by the RFL in relation to use of such data.

WHISTLEBLOWING

A1:11 In order to ensure that Rugby League is a sport in which it is safe and acceptable for those who have concerns about potential Misconduct the RFL has a Whistle Blowing Policy which is attached in Section E. It is an offence of Misconduct for any Person Subject to the Operational Rules to harass or victimise any person who has made a disclosure in accordance with the Whistle Blowing Policy.

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MINIMUM STANDARDS

Section A2: Minimum Standards

GROUNDS/GROUND SAFETY

A2:1 Each Club shall ensure that at all times its ground complies with the Facility Standards set out below subject to any dispensations agreed by the Board from time to time. In addition, each Club shall formulate and maintain in force ground regulations, which must be in accordance with such instructions as the RFL may give from time to time and which must, in particular, state that each entrant to the ground must comply with the regulations and these Operational Rules. Each Club shall:

(a) ensure that such regulations are notified to the RFL at least one month prior to the start of each Season and upon each occasion when amendments are made thereto; and

(b) at least one month prior to the start of each season supply a copy of a current ground safety certificate to the RFL and advise the RFL in writing forthwith if such certificate is amended or revoked.

A2:2 Without prejudice to any other provision of these Operational Rules, each Club agrees to ensure that its Ground and facilities comply with all rules, regulations, statutes or any other rules which have the force of law in the country in which the team plays its home matches and which relate to Health and Safety, Safety at Sports Grounds and safety of spectators at such grounds. Such regulations and statutes in the UK shall include (but not by way of limitation), the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Occupiers Liability Acts 1957 and 1984, the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975, the Fire Precautions Act 1971 the Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Where a Club is granted permission to play its first team games on a non designated ground it shall be a requirement that the Club shall manage the ground in every respect as if it was a designated ground under the Safety at Sports Grounds Act 1975 and any other relevant legislation.

FACILITY STANDARDS

A2:3 Each Club agrees to comply with the requirements of the Facility Standards document previously known as "Framing the Future" as published and amended by the Board from time to time (the "Facilities Standards ").

A2:4 All objections under these Operational Rules relating to the Facility Standards must be sent to the Board. The Board may cause the ground to be inspected at any time and if the report it receives makes the Board consider the ground is unsuitable it may refuse to allow a match or matches to be played thereon and/or may order the Club concerned to undertake such alterations and/or improvements as it thinks fit.

ARTIFICIAL GRASS PITCHES

A2:5 Artificial grass pitches may be utilized in all of competitions subject to the following conditions:

(a) The installed artificial grass pitch has been laboratory tested and shown to fully comply with the relevant laboratory test requirements of the Rugby Football League Performance and Construction Standards for Synthetic Turf Rugby League Competition and Training Pitches.

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MINIMUM STANDARDS

(b) Surfaces to be used on Super League or Championship pitches shall have satisfied the ‘Stadium’ category of performance whilst surfaces used on all other levels of competition shall satisfy the ‘Stadium’ or ‘Community’ categories of performance.

(c) The installed pitch shall hold a valid Field Test Certificate showing it fully complies with the relevant field test requirements of the Rugby Football League Performance and Construction Standards for Synthetic Turf Rugby League Competition and Training Pitches.

Pitches used for Super League and Championship matches shall satisfy the ‘Stadium’ category of performance, whilst pitches used for all other levels of competition shall satisfy the ‘Stadium’ or ‘Community’ categories of performance.

A2:6 If a Club has a giant screen facility, it will comply with all directions and guidance that the Board may give from time to time in relation thereto.

PERMANENT CHANGE OF GROUND

A2:7 (a) No Club shall change permanently the ground where it normally plays competitive matches during its league season unless exceptional circumstances can be shown to exist. No Club shall permanently change the ground where it normally plays competitive matches without both first giving 30 days' notice to the Board and obtaining the prior written consent of the Board. The Board shall either refuse or grant the application and there shall be no appeal from the Board's decision.

(b) No Club shall change temporarily the venue where it normally plays competitive matches without the prior written consent of the Board. The Board shall take such criteria as it thinks fit into consideration when reaching its decision.

(c) The Board shall be entitled to require a Club to produce such documents and may request the attendance of such individuals as it may reasonably require in order to assist in making its decision in A2:7 (a) or (b) above.

(d) If any Club wishes to change its ground permanently, it must, (at the same time as it notifies the Board of its intent to change grounds pursuant to Section A2:7 (a) above), submit the pitch registration forms (as described in Section A2:9 below) to the Board in respect of the proposed new ground and must prove to the Board that the new ground complies with the RFL's Facility Standards and all relevant legislation in force from time to time and these Operational Rules. For the avoidance of doubt, compliance with these Standards shall not mean that the Board is obliged to grant the application and non- compliance shall not prevent the Board from granting such dispensations as it thinks fit.

(e) In the event that the Board consents to a Club temporarily or permanently changing its ground in accordance with section A2:7 (a) and/or (b) above, the Board shall be entitled to impose such reasonable sanctions and/or conditions (financial or otherwise) on the Club as it considers fit.

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MINIMUM STANDARDS

PRIMACY OF TENURE

A2:8 Each Club must satisfy the Primacy of Tenure requirements either at its Ground or by using an Alternative Ground which must be registered with the RFL and which must meet the Facility Standards which apply to the Competitions in which the Clubs plays (save where appropriate dispensation has been granted by the Board).

PITCH DIMENSIONS/PLAYING AREA

A2:9 Pitch dimensions shall be registered with the RFL by Clubs at least 7 days prior to the start of each Season, by completing the form prescribed by the RFL from time to time and sending it to the Board and once registered must not be altered during the Season without the permission of the Board. If a Club fails to comply with its obligations under this clause, its pitch dimensions shall be deemed to be those on which it played on during the preceding Season.

A2:10 The playing area must be in a fit playing condition (in the appropriate Match Official's opinion) and must comply in all respects with the Laws of the Game and with the Facility Standards. In any event, the minimum playing requirements are:

(a) a clear playing area of not less than 88 metres from goal line to goal line and 55 metres from touch line to touch line;

(b) that the dead ball line shall be not less than 6 metres nor more than 11 metres behind the goal line;

(d) that there is a permanent solid barrier excluding the spectators from the playing area.

Where the achievement of A2:10 (a) and (b) above can only be achieved to the exclusion of A2:10 (c) then for the avoidance of doubt and as a temporary measure only the pitch should be marked to ensure that there is a clear margin of 3 metres with the distance between the dead ball line and the goal line reduced accordingly. Where the playing area is larger than the minimum specified above and the ground otherwise fulfils requirements it shall not be reduced for the purposes of any Match unless directed by the Board of Directors. The appropriate appointed Match Official may order the pitch markings to be changed if he thinks fit prior to allowing a Match to kick off. For the avoidance of doubt a padded TV camera may be placed in between 2m and 3m of the touch and dead ball lines.

Where a Club cannot achieve a margin of 3 metres but can achieve 2 metres it may apply to the RFL for dispensation to have collapsible or padded structures within 2m and 3m of the touch and dead ball lines.

FACILITY STANDARDS

A2:11 Notwithstanding the provisions set out above, the Board shall have power to make, and each Club agrees to comply with, additional rules and regulations relating to the standard of grounds (including but not limited to their capacity, seating accommodation, playing area, security, dressing rooms, car parking, segregation of spectators) or any other matter whatsoever which can vary according to the divisional status of the Club at a particular time.

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FINANCIAL MATTERS (INCLUDING SALARY CAP)

Notwithstanding the aforementioned the Board may upon complaint by the Police, any Match Official or other Member give instructions to a Member as to the conduct of operations at or conditions at its ground, whether such instruction requires structural work to be carried out or not and may grant such dispensations as it thinks fit.

OTHER STANDARDS

A2:12 Each Club in Membership should have a current Club Mark Gold validation or being “working towards” Club Mark Gold.

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Section A3: Financial Matters (including Salary Cap)

HMRC LIABILITIES

A3:1 The RFL requires its Member Clubs to ensure that at all times its’ liabilities to HMRC in respect of VAT and PAYE are up to date (in this context up to date means not more than 28 days in arrears). Clubs shall upon request from the RFL give HMRC written permission in such form as HMRC may require for HMRC to share information about the Club’s liabilities to HMRC with the RFL.

Notwithstanding the above paragraph if any Club has any liabilities to HMRC it shall also promptly upon request from the RFL confirm the exact amount of any such liabilities both current and historic and confirm exact details of any agreements which are in place with the HMRC as regards the outstanding liabilities. Such certification will require signing by the Club’s Chief Executive and one other Director.

It may be considered Misconduct to have HMRC liabilities, to fail to submit certification, to submit incorrect certification or to Under Report to HMRC and such Misconduct may also be considered to be a matter which impacts on the integrity of competition.

SPECIAL MEASURES

A3:2 Where the Board reasonably believes that a Club’s position with regard to HMRC or any other financial or organisational circumstances relating to the Club gives reason for concern for the Club’s stability, the Club may be placed into “Special Measures”. When a Club is in Special Measures it may be required:

(a) to provide such proof as the RFL requests that current and historic HMRC liabilities or other liabilities (as appropriate) have been and are being paid on a monthly basis;

(b) to provide such information as the RFL requests about the Club’s management accounts and budgets;

(c) to comply with the Board’s conditions about the value, duration and type of contract it may enter into with Players and not to enter into any contract without permission.

Failure to comply with any arrangements required under Special Measures may result in the Board withholding central distributions and taking such other action as it thinks fit in the circumstances including but not limited to placing a registration embargo on the Club.

ACCOUNTS

A3:3 Each Club shall submit to the RFL within 21 days of publication and, in any event, on demand if so requested, a copy of its audited balance sheet(s) and profit and loss account(s) and any other financial records which the Board may require from time to time. The RFL requires its Super League member Clubs to file full statutory accounts within the timescale(s) specified by the RFL time irrespective of any dispensation that may exist under the Companies Act for Clubs to file only abbreviated accounts. Clubs are obliged to notify the RFL of the date they have filed their annual accounts at Companies House, and must provide a copy to the RFL. Championship Clubs may apply to the Board for dispensation to file only abbreviated accounts with Companies House, however, where the Board grant permission the Club is still required to provide the RFL with a detailed Profit & Loss account.

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Failure to submit accounts in accordance with the Companies Act or this Rule will be considered Misconduct and in addition any Club failing to do so may be placed in Special Measures as detailed in A3:2 above.

INSURANCE

A3:4 Each Club shall ensure that it has in place adequate policies of medical insurance in respect of its own players, public liability and employers liability insurance to cover itself (including all non-playing staff), and all spectators who attend its ground from time to time for activities not connected with Rugby League together with cover against any property owner's liability risks (such as liability under the Defective Premises Act 1972 and/or the Occupiers Liability Acts 1957 and 1984 or any rules or regulations made thereunder). The RFL shall notify Clubs from time to time of the level and breadth of insurance cover which it maintains, and of changes to the level and/or breadth of such cover from time to time.

LEVY

A3:5 The RFL may raise such money as it may require from time to time by way of a levy on the Clubs or otherwise.

SET-OFF

A3:6 Whenever any sum of money shall be recoverable from or payable by any Member to the RFL (or any of its Members or to any Person subject to the Operational Rules or to any of the RFL or SLE’s commercial partners or suppliers) including but not limited to fines, costs, awards or decisions made by the Council, the Board, the Operational Rules Tribunal, the Tribunal, the Compliance Manager or any Committee appointed by the Council or the Board or otherwise made under these Operational Rules, then the same may be deducted from any sum then due or which at any time thereafter may become due to that Member arising out of these Bye Laws or any other contract with the RFL or with any other Member. Exercise by the RFL of its rights hereunder shall be without prejudice to any other rights or remedies available to the RFL.

BYE LAWS

A3:7 In considering the above reference should also be made to the Membership Bye Law as set out in the RFL Articles of Association (RFL Bye Law 4) or as alternatively set out by the RFL from time to time).

SALARY CAP

A3:8 Each Club shall comply with the Super League Salary Cap Rules or the Championships Salary Cap rules as notified to them from time to time. The most recent Rules are set out in Appendix E1 and E2.

DIVISION OF PROCEEDS – general

A3:9 In these Operational Rules, the phrase "Gate Receipts" shall mean the total proceeds which relate to the admittance of persons to the ground at which the Cup Tie takes place.

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CHALLENGE CUP PROCEEDS

A3:10 The Gate Receipts of all Cup Ties from the Third Round up to and including the quarter finals shall be allocated as follows, save when an overseas club is involved in which case special rules will apply as agreed by the Board from time to time or when the Board considers that other exceptional circumstances apply:

(a) From the net Gate Receipts (ie, gross Gate Receipts less VAT) there shall be deducted:

(i) 5% which shall be paid into the Cup Pool within seven days of the Cup Tie by the home club (by cheque addressed to the Finance Director and made payable to the RFL); and

(ii) For visiting Clubs the cost of their travelling expenses.

(iii) For Clubs in the Championships and non member Clubs drawn at home, the sum of £1,000 plus 15% of gate receipts (net of VAT and any levy applicable) to be retained to cover the home Club’s Match expenses;

(iv) For Super League Clubs drawn at home, 15% of gate receipts (net of VAT and any levy applicable) to be retained to cover the home Club’s Match expenses;

A3:11 The remaining balance of the net Gate Receipts after making the deductions set out above shall be divided equally between the competing Clubs, and the home Club shall make the payment to the visiting Club within 7 days of the Cup Tie. However, at the conclusion of the Cup Tie (including a Void Tie) the home side shall hand to the secretary of the visiting team (or other Club Official) a cheque for 30% of the remaining balance of the Gate Receipts on account of their share of the Gate Receipts.

(a) A Club which fails to pay its contributions to either the Cup Pool or to the visiting club on the due date shall be liable to a fine of £250 in respect of each offence and shall not be entitled to any share of the Cup Pool until outstanding fines and contributions are paid.

(b) A Club which fails to pay an outstanding Cup Pool contribution within seven days of the date of a warning notice given by or on behalf of the Finance Director shall be liable to a fine of up to £500 and this shall increase by £50 in respect of each day thereafter in excess of seven days for which the sum(s) remain outstanding.

(c) Any Prize Monies due to a Club for a Round will not be paid until the Club has paid its contributions to both the Cup Pool and the visiting club and has sent any required Match Accounts to the RFL.

(d) Travelling expenses shall consist of the cost of coach hire used by the visiting Club (if a Club chooses to stay overnight, the coach hire shall not exceed the cost of a return trip by coach in one day) and an allowance for meals taken on the journey, such allowance to be fixed by the Board.

(e) If the net Gate Receipts are not sufficient to cover the entire expenses of a Cup Tie the RFL shall decide how the proceeds are distributed including what shortfall shall be borne by each Club.

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(f) Special arrangements as published by the Board from time to time shall be in place for matches played in the rounds before the Super League and/or National League teams enter the competition and for matches involving clubs based in France and Russia.

(g) Where one Club has a return journey of 500 miles or more to fulfil a fixture it is entitled to apply to the RFL for a grant.

CHALLENGE CUP SEMI FINAL PROCEEDS

A3:12 The Gate Receipts for the semi-final Cup Ties shall be divided as follows:

(a) 5% of the net Gate Receipts shall be paid into the Cup Pool by the RFL;

(b) the RFL shall then be entitled to deduct its reasonable match expenses (including charges for the hire of the ground); and

CHALLENGE CUP FINAL PROCEEDS

A3:13 The Gate Receipts for the final Cup Tie or final Cup Tie Replay shall be divided as follows:

(a) The net Gate Receipts from the final Cup Tie shall be divided as follows: 10% of net Gate Receipts shall go to the Cup Pool; having deducted the 10%, 15% of the remainder shall go to each of the competing Clubs and the balance shall go to the RFL.

(b) The Gate Receipts from any final Cup Tie replay shall be divided as follows: 5% of net Gate Receipts shall go to the Cup Pool 25%; of the remainder shall go to each of the competing Clubs and the balance shall go to the RFL.

CUP POOL

A3:14 The Cup Pool shall be retained by the RFL as part of its funds.

A3:15 Notwithstanding any other provision of these Operational Rules, if the net Gate Receipts are not sufficient to cover the entire expenses of a semi-final or final Cup Tie, then the Match expenses of the RFL (including charges for the hire of the ground) shall be the first charge and any remaining shortfall shall be borne equally by the two competing Clubs.

SUPER LEAGUE GRAND FINAL SERIES PROCEEDS

A3:16 The Clubs participating in the Super League Grand Finals Series shall share the proceeds of those Matches in such manner as shall be determined by SLE from time to time.

CHAMPIONSHIPS GRAND FINAL/PLAY OFF SERIES PROCEEDS

A3:17 The two Clubs participating in any Match in the Grand Finals Series for either of the Championships, with the exception of the Grand Final itself, shall share the net gate receipts (ie, gross gate receipts less VAT) equally after the payment of any levy which may be in force from time to time and Match expenses (as defined in Operational Rule Section A3:10).

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CHAMPIONSHIPS GRAND FINAL/PLAY OFF FINAL

A3:18 The proceeds of the Grand Final for each of the Championships, following deduction of match expenses (as defined by the Board) and charges for hire of the ground shall be retained by the RFL (unless otherwise determined by the Board).

CHAMPIONSHIP CUP SERIES PROCEEDS

A3:19 The two Clubs participating in any Match in the Championship Cup Series other than the Championship Cup Final itself, shall share the net gate receipts (ie, gross gate receipts less VAT) equally after the payment of any levy which may be in force from time to time and Match expenses (as defined in Operational Rule Section A3:10)

CHAMPIONSHIP CUP FINAL

A3:20 The proceeds of the Championship Cup Final, following deduction of match expenses (as defined by the Board) and charges for hire of the ground shall be disbursed in accordance with the determination of the Board from time to time.

PASSHOLDERS TO GET TICKETS

A3:21 Each passholder (being a person provided with the appropriate RFL Pass) on request (in such format as may be required from time to time) shall be provided with two tickets (which shall be strictly for the personal use of the passholder and one guest and not transferable). Each Club agrees to admit the passholder and his/her guest to their ground and stands for each match under the jurisdiction of the RFL subject to such conditions as the RFL shall publish from time to time subject to the application being made as set out in each Club’s specified procedures (as approved by the RFL) and subject to availability at the time of application. Any passholder found to be in breach of the conditions of use published by the RFL will have their pass and all related privileges withdrawn.

ADMISSION CHARGES

CHALLENGE CUP TIES

A3:22 For all rounds except the semi final and the final:

(a) The charges for admission shall be agreed by the Clubs no later than 2 days after the opposition is known, but, either in the event of a disagreement on written application by one Club or where a RFL approved ticketing scheme is in place the Board shall decide. All prices shall be announced to the public via the media before the round is played and in any event no later than 24 hours after the charges are agreed (as above).

(b) No Club shall admit a member or a season ticket holder to a Cup Tie without the individual paying the admission charge fixed for members of the public to the ground and stands save with the permission of the Board or as part of an RFL approved ticketing scheme.

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(d) The home Club shall supply to the visiting Club on request the turnstile readings and the reading of admissions at any other point of entry including the free ticket list.

(e) The visiting Club may request that advance sale tickets be issued and if requested shall be entitled to be provided, in order to sell at face value, up to 30% of all tickets made available for general sale to the public. Standing, seating and hospitality tickets shall count towards the 30% calculation, but, for the avoidance of doubt, the visiting Club shall not be entitled to sell any hospitality tickets, and the home Club shall have reasonable discretion as to how to break down the 30% between standing and seating on safety grounds.

(f) In "all ticket" games the visiting Club shall be entitled to be provided, in order to sell at face value, up to 30% of all tickets made available for general sale to the public. Standing, seating and hospitality tickets shall count towards the 30% calculation, but, for the avoidance of doubt, the visiting Club shall not be entitled to sell any hospitality tickets, and the home Club shall have reasonable discretion as to how to break down the 30% between standing and seating on safety grounds.

(g) Such tickets required to be released under A3:22 (e) and (f) above shall be released so that they are received by the visiting Club as soon as reasonably possible following the request.

(h) In the event that the home Club fails to comply with A3:22 (e), (f) and/or (g) above, this shall constitute Misconduct and in addition to the penalties available under the Operational Rules for Misconduct, the home Club may be required by the Compliance Commissioner to pay a penalty to the away Club representing 10% of the aggregate sales (exclusive of VAT) of all tickets sold for the game.

(i) Unsold tickets shall be returned to the home Club not later than 48 hours before the Match and if the visiting Club defaults then it shall be liable for the full cost of any unsold tickets remaining from its total allocations.

(j) Each Club shall be entitled to 50 complimentary admission tickets for seats, twenty of which shall be in the Directors area. In addition, complimentary admission tickets shall be allocated to the RFL's sponsors or as part of an RFL marketing strategy as directed by the Board. There shall be no other free admission, except for fully authorised RFL pass holders and accredited members of the media, unless both Clubs agree in writing and in the case of a dispute between the Clubs the RFL will determine the position taking into account the circumstances known to it.

(k) Where it is deemed appropriate, the Board shall have the right to vary the allocation of tickets to the visiting Club or to require a Cup Match to be made "all ticket".

(l) A visiting Club shall have the right to be allocated 30% of the accessible facilities.

(m) In the event that the home Club fails to comply with A3:22 (l), the home Club shall pay a commission to the away Club as if it had complied and the away Club had sold all of the tickets, such commission to be calculated in accordance with A3:22(h). The commission payable on any tickets actually sold by the away Club shall be deducted from this penalty commission. In addition, such failure shall constitute Misconduct.

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CHALLENGE CUP SEMI FINALS & FINAL

A3:23 The Board shall decide the admission charges and ticket allocations for the Challenge Cup Semi Finals and Final. The RFL shall notify each Club of its allocation and each Club may, within 48 hours of such notice, make representations to the RFL that the allocation should be increased. All tickets shall be paid for by the Clubs at their face value. Each Club shall pay such sum to the RFL no later than 7 days after the Cup Tie. Any unsold tickets shall be returned to the RFL in accordance with its instructions. Failure to follow such instructions may result in the unsold tickets being charged to the relevant Club at their face value

LEAGUE MATCHES

A3:24 For League Matches:

(a) The visiting Club may request that advance sale tickets be issued and if requested shall be entitled to be provided, in order to sell at the usual Home Club advance sale value, up to 10% of all tickets made available for general sale to the public. Standing, seating and hospitality tickets shall count towards the 10% calculation, but, for the avoidance of doubt, the visiting Club shall not be entitled to sell any hospitality tickets, and the home Club shall have reasonable discretion as to how to break down the 10% between standing and seating on safety grounds.

(b) In "all ticket" games the visiting Club shall be entitled to be provided, in order to sell at the usual Home Club advance sale value, up to 10% of all tickets made available for general sale to the public. Standing, seating and hospitality tickets shall count towards the 10% calculation, but, for the avoidance of doubt, the visiting Club shall not be entitled to sell any hospitality tickets, and the home Club shall have reasonable discretion as to how to break down the 10% between standing and seating on safety grounds.

(c) Such tickets required to be released under A3:24 (a) and (b) above shall be released so that they are received by the visiting Club 21 days prior to the date of the fixture or 21 days prior to the date the fixture was originally scheduled in the event of a fixture movement with less than 28 days notice.

(d) In the event that the home Club fails to comply with A3:24 (a), (b) and/or (c) above, the home Club shall pay a commission to the away Club as if it had complied and the away Club had sold all of the tickets, such commission to be calculated in accordance with A3:24(e). The commission payable on any tickets actually sold by the away Club shall be deducted from this penalty commission.

(e) The visiting Club shall be entitled to a commission representing 10% of the aggregate sales (exclusive of VAT) of tickets sold on behalf of the Home Club, unless otherwise agreed between the Clubs. The Away Club shall submit a VAT invoice in respect of the commission due within 7 days of the date of the match taking place. Unsold tickets shall be returned to the home Club not later than 48 hours before the Match and if the visiting Club defaults then it shall be liable for the full cost of any unsold tickets remaining from its total allocations.

(f) Each Club shall be entitled to 50 complimentary admission tickets for seats, twenty of which shall be in the Directors area. In addition, complimentary admission tickets shall be allocated to the RFL's sponsors as directed by the Board, or if it so delegates, the respective divisional associations as appropriate.

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(g) Where it is deemed appropriate, the Board shall have the right to vary the allocation of tickets to the visiting Club or to require a League Match to be made "all ticket".

(h) A visiting Club shall have the right to be provided with, on request, a reasonable proportion of the accessible facilities including wheelchair spaces available at the ground.

(i) In the event that the home Club fails to comply with A3:24 (h), the home Club shall pay a commission to the away Club as if it had complied and the away Club had sold all of the tickets, such commission to be calculated in accordance with A3:22(h). The commission payable on any tickets actually sold by the away Club shall be deducted from this penalty commission. In addition, such failure shall constitute Misconduct.

GRAND FINAL SERIES MATCHES

A3:25 The prices of admission for Grand Final Matches other than each of the Grand Finals themselves in each case shall be determined by the Board (and in the case of Super League agreed by SLE). Club members or season ticket holders shall not be entitled to free admission to grounds or stands in any of the Grand Final Series. The away Club shall be entitled to tickets as set out in A3:22 (e), (f), (g) and (h) above. The prices of admission for each of the Grand Finals themselves shall be decided by the Board (and in the case of the Super League agreed by SLE).

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RIGHTS, BROADCASTING & SPONSORSHIP

Section A4: Rights, Broadcasting & Sponsorship

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

CHALLENGE CUP

A4:1 Each Club hereby acknowledges and agrees that the beneficial title to all copyright, trade marks (whether registered or not) and any other intellectual property rights subsisting or which may in the future subsist in the Cup and in the Cup trophy (the “Trophy”) including, without limitation, any such rights in the phrase "The Rugby League Challenge Cup" or any part thereof ("the Phrase"), and/or in any logo incorporating the Phrase and/or any graphic representation of the Trophy ("the Logo"), ("the Challenge Cup Intellectual Property Rights"), is and shall remain the sole property of the RFL.

CHAMPIONSHIPS

A4:2 Each Club hereby acknowledges and agrees that the beneficial title to all copyright, trade marks (whether registered or not) and any other intellectual property rights subsisting or which may in the future subsist in the Championships (the “Phrase”), and in any logo relating to or connected with either such league ("the Logo"), ("the Championships Intellectual Property Rights"), is and shall remain the sole property of the RFL.

INTERNATIONAL/REPRESENTATIVE

A4:3 Each Club hereby acknowledges and agrees that the beneficial title to all copyright, trade marks (whether registered or not) and any other intellectual property rights subsisting or which may in the future subsist in the Representative Matches including, without limitation, any such rights in the phrase “England Rugby League”, “Ireland Rugby League”, “Scotland Rugby League”, “Wales Rugby League” or "Great Britain and Ireland Rugby League" or any part thereof ("the Phrases"), and/or in any logo incorporating the Phrases ("the Logo"), ("the International Intellectual Property Rights"), is and shall remain the sole property of the RFL.

A4:4 Each Club hereby agrees to sign and execute all documents and do all acts which the RFL may reasonably require (at the requested cost of the RFL) to vest absolutely the Challenge Cup Intellectual Property Rights, the Championships Intellectual Property Rights and the International Intellectual Property Rights (together the “Intellectual Property Rights”) in the RFL or its nominee and to apply for, obtain, enforce and maintain in force the Intellectual Property Rights in the sole name of the RFL or its nominee in the United Kingdom and in such countries as the RFL may direct. Save as provided for in Operational Rule Section A4:5 below, no Club may use or exploit or permit any other party to use or exploit any of the Intellectual Property Rights for any purpose whatsoever, save under an express written licence from the RFL.

A4:5 Except in relation to Super League and notwithstanding Operational Rule Section A4:4 above, each Club shall apply the applicable Phrase / the Logo in a manner and style to be approved in advance by the RFL in writing, to any programme produced in accordance with Operational Rule Section A4:21 and to tickets for entry into Matches, Cup Matches or Representative Matches only and each Club shall include in such application of the Phrase / the Logo an appropriate copyright and/or trade mark notice, the form of which shall be notified in advance by the RFL.

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RIGHTS CONTRACTS

CHAMPIONSHIPS

A4:6 The RFL (either acting by itself or through its appointed representatives) shall have the exclusive right to use, sell, negotiate and enter into contracts with any third party in respect of, or otherwise exploit, all Broadcasting rights in relation to the Championships including, but not limited to, all such rights in relation to all Matches in such leagues (including each of the respective Grand Finals series) ("the Championship Broadcasting Rights").

CHALLENGE CUP

A4:7 The RFL, (either acting by itself or through its appointed representatives) shall have the exclusive right to use, sell, negotiate and enter into contracts with any third party in respect of, or otherwise exploit all Broadcasting rights in the Cup, including in relation to all Cup Ties played in the Cup (the “Cup Broadcasting Rights”).

INTERNATIONAL/REPRESENTATIVE

A4:8 The RFL (either acting by itself or through its appointed representatives) shall have the exclusive right to use, sell, negotiate and enter into contracts with any third party in respect of, or otherwise exploit, all Broadcasting rights in Representative Matches (other than International Matches as defined in the RLIF Regulations, which shall be vested and dealt with pursuant to the RLIF Regulations) (the “International Broadcasting Rights”).

COMPLIANCE WITH BROADCASTING CONTRACTS

A4:9 Each Club agrees to comply with the terms of all contracts which the RFL, RLIF or other RLIF Member may enter into in respect of the Championship Broadcasting Rights, Cup Broadcasting Rights, International Broadcasting Rights and/or broadcasting rights relating to International Matches and agrees to provide to the RFL or its appointed representative or to such party as the RFL may in writing direct, such access to its ground and such facilities as are reasonably required for the performance of such contracts by the RFL, its appointed representative and/or any other contracting party. If any Club defaults in such obligations it shall be guilty of misconduct and in addition may be dealt with by the Board as it thinks appropriate which may include (but is not limited to) forfeiture use of any rights to distribution of the fees received by the RFL).

SPONSORSHIP AND ADVERTISING

SUPER LEAGUE & CHAMPIONSHIPS

A4:10 The Board shall in its absolute discretion give and each Club shall comply with such directions and orders as the Board considers appropriate concerning sponsors' advertisements and any other advertisements at the ground or made on the public address system. The Board may require each Club to allocate tickets to admit the sponsors and their guests to the ground and stands and the home Club may be required to provide reasonable hospitality to those sponsors and their guests or those sponsors and their guests may be allowed to participate in hospitality provided by the home Club at no cost to the RFL or the Sponsor. Each Club agrees that the RFL (or where appropriate the members of SLE or the Championships collectively) shall have the exclusive right to enter into all forms of sponsorship, advertising and other commercial contracts (including those relating to corporate hospitality) in respect of Super League or the Championships (as appropriate).

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A4:11 Each home Club shall provide such advertising hoarding sites at each Match as the Board or the Members of SLE or the Championships may specify from time to time up to and including the Matches played in each of the Grand Finals series for the sponsors of the RFL and any other sponsors that the Board or the members of SLE or the Championships collectively (as appropriate) may direct (unless any of them delegates the matter to any other person in which case, such decision shall be made by that person).

A4:12 Each Club agrees that the RFL shall have the exclusive right to enter into contracts to sell advertising space (including advertising hoarding sites and pitch markings) at each of the Grand Finals (unless the right is otherwise delegated by the holder thereof).

A4:13 For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in Operational Rules Section A4:12 to A4:14 above shall be construed as preventing any Club from entering into any sponsorship or supply contract whereby a sponsor's name and/or logo appears on the Club's official kit, including but not limited to track-suits and other kit, save as directed under B1:25(a) of these Rules, and each Club shall have the right to display such sponsor's name and/or logo in this way at all stages of all competitions including in each of the Grand Final series.

CHALLENGE CUP

A4:14 The Board shall in its absolute discretion give and each Club shall comply with such reasonable directions and orders as may be appropriate concerning sponsors' advertisements and any other advertisements at the ground or made on the public address system. The Board may require each Club to allocate tickets to admit the sponsors and their guests to the ground and stands and the home Club may be required to provide reasonable hospitality to those sponsors and their guests at no cost to the RFL or sponsor. Each Club agrees that the RFL shall have the exclusive right to enter into all forms of sponsorship, advertising and other commercial contracts (including those relating to titular sponsorship and corporate hospitality but for corporate hospitality only for games played on neutral venues) in respect of the Cup.

A4:15 Each home Club shall provide no less than 10 advertising hoarding sites at each Cup Tie up to but not including the semi-final stage of the Cup for the sponsors of the Cup and any other sponsors that the Board may direct.

A4:16 Each Club agrees that the RFL shall have the exclusive rights to enter into contracts to sell advertising space including advertising hoarding sites and pitch markings at the semi-finals and final stages of the Cup.

A4:17 For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in Operational Rules: A4:16 to A4:18 above shall be construed as preventing any Club from entering into any sponsorship or supply contract whereby a sponsor's name and/or logo appears on the Club's official kit, including track-suits and other kit, save as directed under B1:25(a) of these Rules, and each Club shall have the right to display such sponsor's name and/or logo in this way at all stages of the Cup including the semi-finals and final.

INTERNATIONAL/REPRESENTATIVE

A4:18 Subject to RLIF Regulations, the RFL shall at all times have the exclusive right to (i) negotiate and conclude contracts and grant licences to use and exploit its name and all other intellectual property relating to Representative Matches, (ii) negotiate and conclude contracts relating to sponsorship of Representative Matches, including titular sponsorship and all other forms of sponsorship or commercial property and (iii) receive and retain all proceeds gained from these rights.

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PROGRAMMES

A4:19 (a) Save where a programme is produced and distributed by the RFL, a programme shall be produced by the home Club in each League Match, save the Grand Final and each Cup Tie up to but not including the semi-finals stage of the Cup.

(b) Such programme must set out accurate details of both Clubs’ first team squads.

(c) The RFL may require that the front and back covers of such programme will be provided by the sponsors of the Cup or the relevant Competition and incorporated by each Club.

(d) Each Club agrees that the RFL shall have the right to include in any programme two full- page advertisements and agrees to incorporate such advertisements and sponsor's credits as the RFL may reasonably direct.

(e) Each Club agrees that the RFL shall have the exclusive right and responsibility to produce, market and distribute a programme in respect of each of the semi-finals and the final of the Cup and the Grand Finals.

(f) Each Club agrees to grant the RFL an exclusive perpetual and royalty free licence to reproduce and exploit in the Cup semi-finals and/or finals programmes and in Grand Finals programmes its club badge and any other logo over which such Club has the right to grant such a licence.

(g) Each Club shall ensure that its programmes do not contain material which, in the opinion of the Board, is defamatory and/or brings the Game into disrepute and/or infringes these Operational Rules.

(h) Each Club agrees that it shall display in its programme brief messages to supporters about behaviour as required by the RFL from time to time.

(i) Each Club shall submit to the RFL within 14 days of publication, or on demand, two copies of each of its Match programmes.

TV GAMES

A4.20 Subject to RFL Bye Laws 2.2 any League Match selected for televising shall take place at the time, date and venue determined by the Board and the Clubs agree to comply with all instructions and requirements specified by the Board in relation thereto.

MEDIA RIGHTS HOLDER/PRESS PASS HOLDERS

A4.21 Each Club shall comply: (i) with all provisions of any central broadcasting or sponsorship agreements entered into by the RFL in accordance with these Operational Rules which are notified to it from time to time; (ii) the terms of any applicable codes of conducts issued by the RFL in relation to commercial and broadcasting rights and (iii) allowed journalists accredited by the RFL access to the press facilities on match day. Failure to do so shall constitute Misconduct.

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