Hi, 
 
As discussed momentarily in the previous article I wrote, regarding the competitiveness 
of football codes, and the danger this presents to the AFL; I thought I'd continue my 
criticism of the Aussie Rules Football for the time being; as the national league (AFL) are 
certainly brewing further concerns. 
 
It has been largely debated that the state of this game is in turmoil. However, how many 
times do you hear that debate, line, and claim through-out the many generations its been 
played? - Everyone feels they're an expert on the way the game -should- be played, or the 
methodology of the game in the modern world. So, why not place my opinion forward?. 
 
After watching the world cup campaign (supporting our glorious Socceroos ofcourse), 
and after being enthraulled by the wonders of NRL this past year; I can honestly say that 
the state of Aussie Rules Football is not as strong as the AFL, or australian support base 
think. There are many disgruntled 'supporters' of the AFL, and with good reason - They 
(the AFL) feel superior, they feel void of concern, and therefore make their own changes 
to pricing structures, final appearances, and rule changes/interpretations. Continually, 
though, they are under scrutiny for their poor execution of choice and change. 
 
Specifically, my biggest concern with the AFL, is the total lack of respect for the fellow 
man. This lack of respect that consumes the AFL competition, is reflective of the AFL 
organisations lack of respect for fellow football codes. This respect issue is not exclusive 
to the players. The players are probably the only group of people exempt from this when 
applying it to eachother - as most players have great respect for eachother, as they are all 
involved in a very physical environment. Though players are terrible, when issueing 
respect to umpires. The three main groups of concern, are the umpires/referees, coaches, 
and supporters of clubs. There is no respect at all; and this game we so lovingly devote 
ourselves to, as a result, promotes an insipid message to youth on what defines poor 
behaviour, poor sportsmanship, and clumsy attitude. 
 
Through-out the world cup, I was so humbled and pleased to hear the SBS commentators, 
and 'critics' openly supporting our Socceroos club 100 percent!. Whether or not we went 
in against the odds, everyone whole-heartedly supported, encouraged and believed in the 
Socceroos. No one bad mouthed the group, no one criticised their poor play in some areas. 
There was alot of encouragement and respect issued towards the players. Furthermore, 
however, two of SBS's special comments members backed Guus Hiddinks plans and 
moves at all times; even when they were questionable. There may have been some moves 
that baffled loyal soccer fans, but due to Guus's breadth of experience, and level of 
success thus far, people remained 100 percent behind him. 
 
However, look at the AFL. Foxtel's special commentary, Channel Nine and Channel Tens 
commentary and critics are terrible. Can you honestly say that the same level of 
commitment, encouragement and support is shown here?. Certainly not. Robert Walls 
only knows how to point out negatives, criticise, complain, and show a total -lack- of 
respect to coaches (especially) and players, of whom are the ones devoting their lives to 
the sport that he so easily was dismissed from. However, you read the newspapers of any 
state, and listen to the media coverage, and it's aways focussed on the problems with 
clubs, the problems with coaches, the disappointment in players, the inconsistency with 
umpires; and it's anything BUT respectful. The game as a whole, promotes such poor 
societal values, that its no surprise that each generation born, becomes more disrespectful, 
violent and out of control. After all, this perception that AFL is almost a 'right of passage' 
for boys to men; these attitudes are very influential to the young men in our "Australian 
culture". 
 
I think another viewpoint, towards Umpires in all 3 main football codes, will further push 
this idea that AFL is in turmoil. Umpires in the AFL code, are so poorly viewed. Their 
decisions are constantly questioned, critiqued, and frowned upon, to a point where they 
continually receive abuse and intimidation from players, fans and the media. This is 
totally unreasonable, and unfair to these umpires who's job are made more difficult with 
each moronic 'Andrew Demetriou' move to change another rule or interpretation. It is 
also very difficult to see all that happens from a clear angle, yet supporters are so 
unrealistic in their appraisals that it becomes severly concerning.  
 
In addition to the lack of respect, and problems with umpires in AFL - there is this silly 
intent on adding more and more umpires to the field, to attempt a better chance at equity 
in decisions. However, this is the most flawed perception of the AFL in its history; again 
this can be demonstrated through a comparison to its two competitor codes. The games of 
AFL used to be judged and mediated by one umpire; which was, and will always be the 
most equitable method of mediating a football game. Why? - Simple!. Presently, with a 
number of field umpires in one match, it drastically increases the level of inconsistency in 
a match; where one umpire at one end of the ground can interpret the same infringement, 
in a different way to the umpire in the centre of the ground. With one umpire - however - 
the same interpretation of the same rule, applies to both teams at all times. One umpire 
will see the same rules, and same infringements, in the same way for both teams. Unlike 
now, with too many umpires involved, and with complex interpretations, there are 
continual confusions in calls, mistakes, and inconsistencies in infringement offerances. 
 
In Rugby and Soccer; however, they have the one field umpire; with 
assistances/boundary umpires to assist with offside calls, out of bounds calls, and 
occasional infringement calls if in the far superior spot to view it. However, there is one 
main, field referee!, and this works so very (very) well; because there is complete equity 
in the calls. What applies to one team, will apply to the other, because the play happens 
through the view of one mediator, not four-five. Furthermore, in the Rugby and Soccer 
codes, players rarely argue with an infringement. While there may be one or two brief 
words exchanged, such as "What for?".. there is no swearing, degrading, disrespecting or 
abusing the umpires, without severe reprocussions such as being sent off immediately 
(Rugby), with similar style consequinces in Soccer (Yellow/Red Cards). This deterrance 
demands respect, and its earnt. Authority is always a dominant force in Soccer and 
Rugby, but in AFL it lacks severly. 
 
The AFL organisation needs to sort out a structure, whereby authority is viewed as total 
power, where respect is demanded by authoritive figures, where coaches are respected 
(though not void of criticism), and where the values we would hope our younger 
generations to adhere to, are exuded through the game at -ALL- levels (Community, to 
State, to National). Sportsmanship is a must! 
 
Regards, 
Nicolas Hart
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BaBus (Accounting + Finance)
Masters (Sports Administration)
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