OUR HISTORY COUNTS
Going into this New Year with optimism and hoping for another exciting season of Rugby League, let us not forget the sport's extraordinary history and heritage.
I was reminded when studying the IMG objectives over Christmas that there is no mention in the detailed grading criteria for Rugby League's history and heritage.
That is not to say that the majority of our clubs ignore such an important part of our game.
Many clubs go to great lengths to invest in and promote their rich heritage through a variety of excellent projects. These include club Halls of Fame; virtual and interactive on-line museums; heritage events (inviting past players to receive their individual club heritage certificates, alongside supporters); heritage luncheons, which include guest speakers, often the legends of the club.
One example of creative innovation and learning is the superb and easily accessible Heritage Walk of Fame at Headingley.
Much of the heritage development work at club level is of course undertaken by volunteers. What would we do without all our amazing volunteers? The excellent work of Colin Maskill at Rugby League Cares in engaging with clubs to promote the importance of former-player reunions, which do so much to support players' health and wellbeing, is to be applauded.