London Broncos owner, David Hughes, has recently raised concerns regarding the new grading system introduced by IMG. The owner’s apprehensions arise in the context of the team’s forthcoming relegation, despite their recent promotion to the Super League.
Hughes’ unease is rooted in the fact that, commencing in 2024, a team’s on-field performance will no longer be the sole criterion for grading. Consequently, even if London were to finish above the bottom, they could still face relegation based on the indicative 2023 grades.
Currently ranked 24th, the Broncos fell 4.38 points short of the 12th-ranked team, Leigh. Hughes views the excitement of promotion and relegation as vital to the vitality of sports, and believes that pre-determining a club’s relegation before the season commences could detract from the sport’s appeal for fans.
To illustrate his point, Hughes suggested that if the London Broncos were to finish 11th or higher in the 2024 season, there should be provisions in place to allow the team to remain in the division.
IMG’s grading system, implemented to enhance standards and encourage club investment, encompasses various criteria for awarding points. These include on-field performance, financial performance, fandom, stadium experience, and community outreach and engagement.
Despite the Broncos’ relocation and various changes, including the move to a part-time set-up, the closure of their academy, and the transition to a new stadium, Hughes highlighted the team’s commitment to developing a ‘Lions Development’ program aimed at nurturing young players from the surrounding areas.
Hughes expressed a desire for meaningful dialogue with IMG and other governing bodies, emphasising the long-term objective of achieving Grade A status. Furthermore, he urged IMG to heed the concerns raised by several other clubs regarding the grading system.
The London Broncos owner’s public expression of concern raises significant questions about the impact of grading systems on sports. It underscores the necessity for a fair and transparent evaluation system that takes into account the unique challenges and circumstances confronting various clubs.
With the future of the London Broncos hanging in the balance, the debate surrounding IMG’s grading system sets the stage for pivotal discussions concerning the future of sports and the requirement for inclusive and considerate policies.