ALL amateur rugby league matches this weekend have been cancelled until further notice because of a renewed rumpus regarding rocketing insurance premiums.

And although the postponements are hoped to be a one-off, the new crisis is so severe that York amateur rugby chief Spen Allison said it could signal 'the end of amateur rugby league' unless new agreements are reached.

It all erupted again after the Yorkshire Junior ARL withdrew from the British Amateur Rugby League Association, a move which effectively invalidated insurance cover for all clubs affiliated to the governing body.

Every single league - from the prestigious National Conference League right down to under-8s - have therefore been directed by BARLA to postpone all matches until the crisis is ended.

All five York and District outfits - Heworth, York Acorn, New Earswick, York Groves and Selby Warriors - have been hit.

Allison, BARLA's new vice-chairman, described the situation as 'probably the biggest upheaval in the 30 years of BARLA's existence'.

He said: "If this is not resolved, we're talking about the end of amateur rugby league. That's how dramatic it is.

"We've suspended all fixtures this weekend. It would be irresponsible for anybody to play if they're not covered by insurance."

As reported by the Evening Press, the crisis began last month when it was revealed that basic liability premiums were to rocket from £164 per club (covering an unlimited number of open age and junior/youth teams) to £291 per open age team, plus £228 per junior/youth team. There were also rises in personal accident cover.

The increases, thrust on to BARLA, were blamed on the general rise in personal injury claims and the effects of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

However, all leagues accepted the rises - until this latest twist saw the Yorkshire Junior ARL withdraw from BARLA on Tuesday.

It is believed this league wants to sign up to a cheaper insurer albeit with less comprehensive cover.

However, their move means all other teams would have to agree to pay the shortfall - and in the meantime nullifies the cover arranged by BARLA for all member clubs, which is in its renewal period.

BARLA chief executive Ian Cooper told the Evening Press: "In August the member leagues voted to continue with the public liability policy despite the horrendous increase in premiums.

"The viability of the policy was conditional on all the leagues paying in, but we've had a bombshell when the Yorkshire Junior ARL, which has more than 250 teams, withdrew, leaving a gaping hole.

"We want to discuss the situation with them and hopefully bring them back into the fold, but for now it means the policy is currently not viable."

An extraordinary general meeting of all 43 member leagues has been arranged for Sunday.

Cooper added: "We want to make sure the decision is in the best interests of all members and that we can go forward together."

Saturday's postponements mean New Earswick and Selby have had to delay the start of their Yorkshire League campaigns, while Pennine League side York Groves have had to do likewise. Heworth and Acorn were due to continue their NCL division two campaigns.

New Earswick have also had to postpone a gala, which ironically was being held to raise money to pay their insurance fees.

Updated: 11:57 Thursday, September 05, 2002