YORK'S amateur rugby league clubs are set to begin the new season under a financial cloud because of a massive hike in insurance premiums.

The rises - of up to 300 per cent - have been blamed on a general increase in personal injury claims, but nevertheless could cause some clubs to fold and many players to leave the game.

Of the York-area clubs, York Acorn and New Earswick All Blacks have been hit the hardest as they run several junior teams, but Heworth, York Groves and Selby Warriors will also feel the pinch. All five clubs, however, have said they will endeavour to run all their present sides.

Acorn's premium has almost quadrupled from £1,067 to £4,011. They run ten junior teams from under-8s to 18s, two open age sides and a women's team.

All Blacks, who run six junior teams and one open age, have seen their premium more than treble to about £3,000, while Heworth, who will have three junior teams and two open age, have seen their amount more than double to nearly £2,000.

Groves and Selby have one team, and their cost has gone up from £120 to £500. Both clubs were looking to start junior sides this year but now will have to re-consider.

The British Amateur Rugby League Association - who negotiate insurance for all affiliated clubs - said the premiums were the lowest they could find.

But there is a fear some clubs might not afford it or be forced to pass on the cost directly to the players, forcing many to quit. Calls have gone out to Super League clubs to help out.

Acorn treasurer Linda Hill said the club would have to take cash out of funds being raised for ground redevelopment.

"We are in the fortunate position of having funds behind us, although these were in place for redevelopment," she said. "We will keep running the teams because at the end of the day that's what we're here for.

"But to raise the extra £3,000 will take some effort."

She added: "I don't know how much work has gone into it from BARLA, but it makes you want to knock on every insurers' door and ask if they could do it cheaper."

BARLA were to contact the All Party Parliamentary RL Group to discuss the matter in Westminster.

Hill added: "People should try to encourage sport in Britain as we're falling behind as it is. But this kind of thing is not giving us any encouragement whatsoever.

"People should not forget we are non-profit making amateur clubs who rely entirely on sponsorship and fundraising as it is."

Charles Rollinson, of the All Blacks, said: "BARLA should have another look at it or clubs will go out of business. They're charging a ridiculous amount and it will hit every club hard.

"The game will suffer considerably because if youngsters can't play there will be nobody coming through."

Said Heworth spokesman Ken Sykes: "It's a massive hike. We are not convinced there's that level of risk, but we will just have to pay it. It will push us as we're doing extension work at the club. But basically we don't have any choice."

Selby secretary Paul Paterson added: "BARLA could have shopped about more. If it means clubs have to increase subs then some players will not play."

Groves player-coach Simon Moat added: "We will have to take it on the chin but it won't be good for the game."

Updated: 11:58 Tuesday, August 13, 2002