York owner wants women's results in grading scores

York Valkyrie have reached the Super League Grand Final in each of the last three seasons, winning two and losing one

York Valkyrie chairman Clint Goodchild wants the performances of his women's team to be factored into the sport's new IMG grading system.

Goodchild is also chairman of the men's side, York Knights, who came 15th out of 35 clubs in the list released on Wednesday.

Valkyrie beat St Helens this month to become the first female team to win back-to-back Super League titles.

"There is great value in the women's game," Goodchild told BBC Radio York.

The grading system, introduced by media giant IMG and Rugby League Commercial, measures clubs under five categories - fandom, performance, finances, stadium and community.

The scores are added up with a maximum of 20 points on offer. All 35 clubs in the men's game over the sport's three divisions are assessed and marked.

Having finished the season in fourth place in the Championship, York's ranking of 15th in the IMG list was one up from their on-field position.

Goodchild believes that the success and rise of York Valkyrie has been a big boost for both them and the men's team and for rugby league in the city in general.

And given that one of the Rugby Football League's stated aims is to increase the sport's reach and profile, the Australian businessman believes that the women's game merits serious discussion in the grading system.

"We like to see ourselves as a team trying to do a lot with a little in the women's game and I think we've achieved that, on and off the field," he said.

"But the fact that doesn't even get brought into conversation around the IMG grading - is there a real plan or what is the opinion of the sport around the women's game if it's not measured or taken into consideration?

"We're probably the only club that would seriously benefit from it being measured. But I do think there is a common sense element when you compare it to some of the things that are measured."