Super League I - Operational Rules

Operational Rules

Player numbering:

• The Rugby League Council approved a proposal by Super League chief executives to adopt squad numbering. Players would wear a number (1-25) on their shirts all season in addition to their names.

Rules to ensure the sustainability of Super League clubs were introduced:

• Clubs operated under a series of financial rules that specified spending levels in different areas of club operations, demanded that clubs' accounts be submitted monthly for monitoring.
• A salary cap restricted clubs from spending more than 40% of their income on players.

To protect global Super League interests:

• Due to the Super League war in Australia, a number of British players signed "loyalty" contracts which gave News Corporation a veto power over them in an attempt to prevent transfers to Australian Rugby League clubs.