2024 Broncos

Introduction

In light of the recent disqualification of the Utah Rugby League Association’s (URLA) Provo Broncos, we believe it is crucial to provide a comprehensive and transparent account of the events that led to this outcome. This statement aims to clarify the situation, outline the steps taken by the URLA board, and express our position on the eligibility requirements imposed by the USA Rugby League (USARL).

Background: Initial Communication of Eligibility Rules

At the beginning of the season, USARL sent an email stating specific eligibility and citizenship requirements for team composition. These rules included limitations on the number of non-citizen players allowed on a team, with a strict requirement for a majority of domestic players. However, while the rule was communicated, the email did not include detailed procedures, enforcement mechanisms, or guidance on how these requirements were to be implemented.

Given the lack of clarity and actionable guidance from USARL, the URLA board did not prioritize immediate compliance with this rule. Our focus remained on preparing for the season and ensuring smooth operations for all teams involved.

Lack of Procedures and Enforcement Clarity

As the season progressed, the URLA board’s attention was drawn back to the eligibility rule as the West Coast Final approached. To ensure a smooth event, the URLA board sought further clarification from USARL regarding the specifics of the rule. This included questions about:

• Enforcement Responsibility: Who was responsible for verifying player eligibility?
• Legal Concerns: Was it legally permissible to request and collect documents proving citizenship or residency status?
• Enforcement Timing: When and how should the rule be enforced?

Despite these inquiries, USARL did not provide a response before the West Coast Final, leading the URLA board to reasonably assume that the rule would not be enforced during this season.

Timeline of Events: Document Collection and Compliance Efforts

After the Broncos won the West Coast Final, the URLA board received an email from USARL on Monday requesting proof of citizenship status for the Broncos’ players. This email marked the first direct enforcement action related to the eligibility rule, creating an urgent need for compliance.

Monday – Initial Notice: USARL officially requested that the Broncos provide documentation proving the citizenship status of their players. The URLA board immediately recognized the challenge this posed, given the limited time and the fact that no prior efforts had been made to collect such documentation.

Thursday – Document Collection Begins: The URLA board did not begin collecting information until Thursday because we initially assumed the team was ineligible without recourse. After a discussion with USARL, we began collecting these documents on Thursday, which we acknowledge was late.

Friday – Original Deadline: The initial deadline set by USARL for submitting the documentation was Friday. Recognizing the difficulty in meeting this deadline, the USARL board granted an extension.

Sunday – Extended Deadline: USARL granted an extension until Sunday at 2 pm. Despite URLA board’s best efforts, many players only provided documents such as driver’s licenses and social security cards, which USARL did not accept as valid proof of eligibility. As a result, the Broncos were left with only 11 players who had submitted the required documentation.

Challenges with the Rule and Our Stance

Even if all players had submitted valid documentation, the Broncos’ team composition still would not have met the required number of domestic players. The rule allows for only three non-citizen (import) players and three exempt players, but the Broncos exceeded this limit.

One of the major concerns we have with this rule is its treatment of players who hold a U.S. Green Card. A Green Card signifies that a player is a permanent resident of the United States, granting them significant rights, such as the ability to live and work permanently in the U.S., access to social services, and eligibility for financial aid for education, among other privileges. Despite these substantial rights, the rule does not consider Green Card holders as eligible domestic players for rugby league purposes, effectively barring them from full participation in the sport.

The URLA board firmly believes that this rule, as enforced by USARL, is overly restrictive and counterproductive to the growth of rugby league in our region. The rule’s stated purpose is to prevent teams from importing players solely to win games, but this does not reflect the reality of the URLA. Our teams are comprised of dedicated players, many of whom have been part of our community for years, regardless of their citizenship status.

Additionally, we have concerns about the legal implications of requiring players to submit sensitive documents such as passports and green cards. This requirement raises questions about privacy and the fairness of enforcing such a rule without clear, consistent communication from USARL.

Moving Forward

The disqualification of the Broncos has highlighted significant issues within the enforcement of USARL’s eligibility rules. The URLA board remains committed to the integrity and growth of rugby league in Utah and beyond.

We understand that this situation has caused disappointment and frustration among players, fans, and stakeholders. The URLA board is open to discussions and feedback from all members of our community as we navigate this challenging situation. Our priority remains the fair and equitable development of rugby league, and we will continue to advocate for policies that support this mission.

Conclusion

The URLA board regrets the events that led to the disqualification of the Broncos. Notably, this is the second consecutive year that the Broncos have been disqualified from the national championship on controversial technicalities. Last year’s disqualification could have just as easily been attributed to the host organization responsible for managing player interchanges.

We believe that this situation underscores the need for clearer communication, more reasonable enforcement practices, and a greater focus on the true purpose of eligibility rules. We will continue to work toward a future where rugby league in Utah can thrive without unnecessary and restrictive regulations.

Appendix: Relevant Eligibility Rule

Rule Citation: USA Rugby League Eligibility and Citizenship Requirements

• Domestic/American Player: A player with American citizenship.

  • Supporting Documents: U.S. Passport, or photo ID & birth certificate.

• Exempt Player: A player of foreign citizenship but who is a resident in the U.S. and meets specific residency criteria.

  • Criteria:
    • Holds a valid U.S. Green Card or Residence Status.
    • Holds a valid long-term visa (valid for 5-10 years) and has been domiciled in the United States for no less than three (3) years prior to the competition year.
    • Has been domiciled in the United States for no less than six (6) months per year over a period of four (4) or more consecutive years prior to the competition year.
    • As a non-resident, has participated and registered in at least two (2) years of Rugby League in the USA by having registered with a domestic U.S. club recognized by the USARL and played in at least three (3) regular season matches in each of their years of registration.
  • Supporting Documents: Documents that would support the type of Exempt player they are (e.g., Green Card, long-term visa, etc.).

• Import Player: A player of foreign citizenship who does not live in the U.S.

  • Supporting Documents: Foreign passport.

• Team Composition Limits: Teams are allowed three (3) Import players and three (3) Exempt players to be named to the roster. Additional Exempt players may be named; however, for every Exempt player named, one Import player is reduced (e.g., a team may have 4 Exempt/2 Imports or 5 Exempt/1 Import). Teams are not allowed more than three (3) Import players to be named to any game roster.