THE RFL has launched a Disciplinary Review Group to assess the current system and to identify its strengths and weaknesses.

In line with other process reviews that have recently been launched, the RFL has sought the involvement of club representatives to provide external independent input.

The committee formed now consists of Hull Kingston Rovers chairman Neil Hudgell, Hull FC football director Motu Tony, Wakefield Trinity chairman Michael Carter and Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton, who are working alongside the RFL head of legal Graeme Sarjeant and chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer.

The first meeting took place in November and the group will meet regularly in an effort to produce a report with recommendations by mid-2017.

The group will review:

• The principles of the current system

• The composition and processes of the Match Review Panel

• The composition and processes of the Operational Rules Tribunal

• The effectiveness of the regulatory framework specifically the Operational Rules and Sentencing Guidelines

• The use of and impact of aggravating and mitigating factors

• How decisions within the system are communicated, both to stakeholders and the public

The current system will also be reviewed against best practice in sports disciplinary proceedings and will involve considerable consultation with stakeholders.

This includes a survey which has already been sent to all clubs asking them to answer questions on topics such as Match Review Panel, Operational Rules Tribunal, Regulatory Framework and Fundamental Principles.

Findings from this survey will give the Disciplinary Review Group additional feedback from within the game.

On his involvement in the group, Hull Kingston Rovers chairman, Neil Hudgell, said: “Among other club owners I have been critical of the disciplinary process.

"It's key in any review to secure stakeholder support and to that end I am more than happy to be part of a team that looks at the whole process, addresses areas of concern and puts forward recommendations for implementation on behalf of member clubs.”

RFL head of legal Graeme Sarjeant added: “Whilst it is inevitable that all decisions will not be met with universal approval, the RFL are rightly proud of the way in which its disciplinary system has developed and the efficient and fair way in which it operates.

“The RFL look forward to working constructively with all interested stakeholders to firstly improve their understanding of how the current processes operate, to review all processes in depth and then to instigate any necessary improvements which can enhance the system for the benefit of the game as a whole.”

The review is expected to be complete at the mid-point of the 2017 season with a report to be produced that will suggest improvements or amendments for consideration in the 2018 season.