According to the Constitution of the RLIF there are four categories of Membership, Full, Associate, Affiliate and Life Members. In order to guide the development of the organisation it will be useful to have agreed criteria to use as a reference point in making future decisions about membership. These notes are to be used to guide and assist decision making and the RLIF Board should retain the right to vary the criteria within reason.

A Member of the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) is the organization recognized by the RLIF as the body responsible for the regulation and / or control of the game of rugby league in that country.  There may only be one Governing Body.

A recognized country will need to demonstrate the following criteria:

• The country is a territory distinguished by its people, culture and geography.
• The country will be able to demonstrate that it has its own flag and government and that it has complete autonomy over sport within its defined area.
• The country is recognised by the United Nations or has official support from the Government of the nation recognized by the United Nations.

Recommendations

• That the RLIF Adopt the proposed definitions for Full, Associate, Affiliate and Life Membership
• That all applications are considered by the Business and Finance Sub-Committee who will make their recommendation to the RLIF Board.
• That the Business and Finance Sub – Committee receive annually before March 31^st a full audit of each member nation for consideration and action if required.

To achieve this status a Member should:

 Have a current approved constitution lodged with the RLIF which shows detailed evidence of governance, membership, elections, meetings and arrangements for dissolution.

Complete and submit to the RLIF annual accounts for at least 12 months prior to application

Publish and lodge with the RLIF annual reports for at least two years prior to approval

Be able to demonstrate the financial stability of the organisation

Operate with a Bank Account in the name of the Federation with at least two signatories on the account. The two signatories must be drawn from the currently elected Board (EG Chair, Treasurer, Vice Chair)

Conduct regular Rugby League Competitions within the country – Competition is defined as a League Competition played under International Laws of Rugby League over a minimum of a 10 week period.

(a) Minimum 8 senior teams

(b) Minimum 4 reserve/U21/Student grade teams

(c) At least 500 registered participants (players, coaches and match officials)

(d) A registered office and admin.

(e) At least a 6 team Junior RL and/or School (Under 18) competition.

(f)  Coach Education Scheme approved by the RLIF.

(g)  Referees Accreditation Scheme approved by the RLIF

(h) Approved International programme at various levels which must include Full International and may in addition include “A” International, Student International, Junior (Under 18) International. All at Male or Female.

• Members may be able to source revenue from the above activity by way of fees. This can be extended to include registration fees, sponsorship, government grants, gate and canteen receipts and RLIF grants where applicable.

• An approved Development Plan, correctly resourced with annual reports lodged with the RLIF

To be awarded to a Confederation of Member nations as recognized and approved by the RLIF Board. 
 

Have a current approved constitution lodged with the RLIF which shows detailed evidence of governance, membership, elections, meetings and arrangements for dissolution.

Complete and submit to the RLIF annual accounts for at least 12 months prior to application, where possible

Operate with a Bank Account in the name of the Federation with at least two signatories on the account.

Conduct regular Rugby League Competitions with:

a)         Minimum 4 senior teams

b)         Minimum 4 reserve/U21/Student grade teams

c)         At least 250 registered participants

d)         A registered office and admin.

e)         Have an approved International Programme at any eligible level

f)          Access to Coach and Match Official Education via an RLIF approved scheme.

Membership is subject to annual review. Members may be put on 6 months notice of suspension or reduction in status if the RLIF feels that the criteria are not being maintained. Notice will be in writing and will clearly state the areas for improvement.

 

 To be nominated for Life Membership of the RLIF, nominees must :
 

• have held senior positions within their Member Nation’s Governing Body for a period of not less than 10 years

• be nominated in writing by another Member Nation

• be 2^nd in writing by another Member Nation

• be nominated and 2^nd and documents forwarded to the Secretary a minimum of 28 days prior to the AGM in any year to enable distribution and comment by Members

• be voted in as a Life Member at the AGM by a minimum of 75% of votes in a secret ballot

 Benefits of becoming a Life Member include :
 

• 2x Complimentary tickets to all Test Matches in the host Nation’s corporate official area (to be advised of attendance minimum 7 days in advance to allow for catering etc).  Travel and accommodation at own expense

• Plaque depicting RLIF Life Membership noting date and reasons why it was bestowed

• A complimentary invitation to attend the host nations’ official welcome dinner at meetings (to be advised of attendance minimum 7 days in advance to allow for catering etc.).  Accommodation and travel at own expense

• An invitation to have tabled any document at any meeting on relevant issues of the game – to be advised to the Secretary a minimum of 30 days prior to the meeting date.