1. The Merit Leagues/Tables shall have the following objectives:

a) To encourage and facilitate a greater number of regular Saturday games for players of the participating clubs and to encourage clubs to play, even when short of players.
b) To provide a more competitive edge to matches.
c) To encourage continued camaraderie between clubs and players at a district level.
d) To prepare younger players for the competitive involvement in league rugby.
e) To encourage new players into the game.

2. Administration
The Merit Leagues/Tables are supervised by the individual Northern CBs and currently there are:

1. The CANDY League.
2. Yorkshire League & Merit Tables.
3. HALBRO North West Leagues.

Each of the Merit League/Tables have their own regulations. See individual league websites for more details.