After the AFL recently claimed that the league was short of some 6000 umpires across the nation and at all levels – and that abuse and dissent were among the top reasons for that shortfall – it makes sense that they would try to address the problem.
However, the solution that has been implemented this season has been controversial to say the least, despite the fact that it has the best of intentions behind it. In an attempt to crack down on umpire dissent and penalise players for alleged shows of disrespect which would previously have gone unpunished, the AFL has blurred lines and created confusion among fans, players and coaches. So, is it ultimately a good thing or not?
The case for the crackdown
A survey conducted by the AFL late last year found that dissent towards umpires was one of the leading reasons why there was an insufficient number of people for the job. As such, it makes sense to address the situation and try to discourage players from continuing with that disrespectful behaviour. Top-down solutions are inevitably the best way to influence these kinds of changes, as they can have an effect all the way down to the grassroots level.
If an overall improvement in the culture of AFL is instigated by the crackdown, then it's not just the umpires who will benefit, either. Those at the very top of the game will set a better example for the kids who aspire to achieve the same heights in their own career, meaning players can serve as ideal role models for the next generation.
At a base level, the concept that any form of dissent is unacceptable seems to make intuitive sense and as such, the AFL is right to stick by its guns. What's more, the clubs are also behind the decision as they seek to clean up the game's image and create a more hospitable environment governed by equality and fairness for all.
The case against the crackdown
So, while enthusiasm for the principles of the crackdown may be in abundance, there has been plenty of backlash against its implementation. Fans of the sport have complained that the inconsistency in applying the new rules has meant that watching and indeed online betting on your favourite sport has become less enjoyable as a result.
Fans aren't the only ones up in arms, either. Players have been left bamboozled by umpire decisions on many occasions, with relatively minor offences – such as throwing arms up in frustration – deemed worthy of penalisation… or not, as the umpire decides in the heat of the moment. Understandably, this has meant that feelings of injustice have begun to fester.
Indeed, there are even suggestions that the crackdown is having the opposite effect than the intended one. For example, halfback Luke Ryan was recently penalised and reacted by laughing in disbelief, prompting the following observation from the pundits: “Of course, you can go the other way and in a situation where we're trying to garner more respect for the umpires, you pay the free kick and this is what happens,” said St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt. “You end up with a player laughing in your face. Which is the furthest thing from respect.”
While any changes which instigate an improvement in the on-field conduct of players should be welcomed, it's questionable whether the crackdown in its current form does that. So while the idea behind the initiative is commendable, its implementation may need some tweaking. Watch this space.
