So, are the rules different in lower leagues, or are the umpires at AFL level trained to adjudicate rules differently?
The rules are essentially the same,
The umps seem to use discretion and keep it simple.
I reckon 90% of what ill call old school obvious infringements, in the back, too high, holding the man, dropping the ball,
Get paid - broadly speaking they pay the ones the crowd sees.
They also mostly dont pay tiggy touchy or technical decisions or subjective decisions.
Im talking about QAFL - nationally 3rd div i spose.
The crowds always seem well behaved and happy: i dont see much frustration or abuse.
You dont really notice the umps much, you watch flowing footy.
It wouldnt be that hard to reform AFL first div umpiring:
1. Take mikes off the umps
2. Remove or simplify subjective rules
3. Train umps to umpire like theres 10 mins left in a grandfinal, that is, obvious infringement, pay a free, otherwise, let the game go
4. Drill umpires thoroughly in the basic interpretations, how far is 15m for example? Space cones 12 and 18m apart at training and if the umps dont get it right 9/10, they dont umpire. Gryan miers kicks go under 15m, 50% of the time. Blokes kicking in regularly run 30m without a bounce; these are the basics that cause major frustration, get em right, lower frustration,
And let us enjoy 1st division footy again,
Please?
good thoughts eZy, just call it Flog Round. They also have to give a 3 minute FIGJAM speech explaining how good they are.
