Hi Guys and Kurt Angle
I didnt mean to upset anyone. Both sports are entertaining. Can't we all agree its unAustralian to reject a sporting competition when it would inject $6 billion into our economy.
On other notes:
1. Trend Toward Football (Soccer) Than League Amongst Children
Refer to the table "Childrens Participation in Organised Sports" at the Australian Bureau of Statistics (the following link).
It indicates far stronger numbers in Football than any other sport. 160,000 more children were reported to play Football than League in 2000, 2003 and 2006.
2. Anti Skip Comments
You can't believe how surprised I am to hear that. I'm an Aussie. Born and bred here, my family goes back many many generations
Regarding the Mediterranean Descendant Ball Comments: I think every kid gets smacked around a little bit in Primary School in one way or another, personally didnt bother me as much as the psychological assessment you offerred me
However from my own encounters, Mediterranean Descendants are amongst the most passionate supporters of Rugby League. Aren't the Bulldogs team one of the most supported teams in League with a large ethnic followship?
3. More Technically Challenging for a Child
Ok, we're talking kids here, not the adult level of the sport.
Question: What would happen if you put an 8 year old against a 13 year old in a Rugby League match?
Answer: the 13 year old would be more likely to win because of the massive strength advantage marginalising the benefits good technique offers.
This is an issue with with children because onset of puberty results in children with differentiated levels of relative strength at any given age group. This differentiation makes a contact sport less appealing, especially to those that experience puberty later on.
This early onset of puberty and physical development is more common amongst Pacific Islanders. A reference that discusses this is
SMH (eh)
"Islanders in Junior Leagues, It's a Really Big Issue"
(cant post links because my post count is less than 20.)
4. Standard of Football in Australia
The A-League is undoubtedly better than the NSL. Although I would accept that someone who isn't interested in Football wouldn't identify the difference.
Crowd attendances may of gone down this year. It's likely been affected by the current recession, perhaps like most sports in Australia.
Other reasons may be the "Flavour of the Month" affect the A-League has enjoyed has declined. This would be natural; if this has occured and its still got these crowd levels then the transformation from NSL to A-League has been extremely successful so far.
Henceforth it would be an issue of continued brand development. Passionate supporter bases are constructed over time; a new club needs to integrate itself with the community for a long time before it becomes comfortably adopted by the masses.
Other issues the standard of Football in Australia will suffer from are the inevitable losses of their best players to foreign nations. It's highly unlikely A-League will ever compete with the top European clubs for the best talent, thus will always remain a secondary level of global competition.
However this might also be an avenue to develop more homegrown talent in professional competitions, allowing the construction of a stronger national team.
5. National and International Developments
Well, the Socceroos are playing infinately more games than they were in say 2000. Heck, their actually playing! The entrance into the Asian confederation means their receiving top quality competitive international matches reguarly, as opposed to a two leg shootout for the final World Cup position. This change means a display of respect from world nations regarding Australia's importance on the global stage.
The increase in games means more players are getting international experience; improving our player base in domestic leagues enabling greater competitiveness in the domestic A-League product.
Development of younger players: we're producing better overall players: perhaps not as many at the Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka, Tim Cahill level; however these players are recognised as the most successful in Australian History. It's a bit much to ask they step up and become equally, if not more successful.
The reference to the Australian Under 20's performance was interesting. The team admittedly lost each of its 3 matches; with suggestions added that the quality of these players is below average.
Strategy; combined with player ability does win matches. Perhaps the team was deficient in these areas; however only 1 or 2 players per generation need step up to the full international Socceroo team to ensure the progression of the squad.
I believe their is good talent in as yet unknown players Vidosic, Holman, Carle, that will improve over time.
6. Country Players Make Up The QLD and NSW Teams; Not PI's
I'm not sure of this but correct me if I'm wrong.
Doesn't the State of Origin act as a catalyst for selecting the those players that represent the Kangaroo's?
If so; wouldnt the percentage of Pacific Islanders (who have foreign loyalties); more likely not be involved thus explaining why most of the NSW team might come from Country locations?
Just putting it out there...
7. Kids Prefer Ronaldo, Beckham, instead of Moimoi, Hayne..etc
You asked me to quantify this belief. It's admittedly hard to measure; however I'd suggest the number of jerseys that possess Football loyalties compared with League clubs might be a start.
I see hundreds more Manchester United "Beckham, Rooney, Ronaldo" shirts than I've seen League jerseys. Maybe that might be an acceptable initial insight into the popularity of these sports.
8. Statement of Changing Demographic Interests
An example I can think of about changing demographics affecting the interest in different types of sport would be Japan.
Sumo has and is struggling with changing preferences of younger demographics over time with the onset of Baseball, Union, Football, Motor Racing, etc.
These new sports maintained critical interest in younger demographics as well as holding them into their older stages of life. Over time; this continued growth cemented their strength at the expense of Sumo.
Perhaps its arguable that a World Cup would inspire and hold interest in younger demographics longer..in which case that would be an issue for League; but altogether unavoidable.
9. Continue the NRL in Regional, Island Locations
If its capable of being held without compromising local security then it might be possible. However would it be wise of the NRL who are motivated by TV ratings, brand retention of sponsorships, etc...to compete directly with the BIGGEST (bigger than the Olympics, Superbowl - Im a Chicago Bears Fan BTW) Sporting event in the world?
It would seem obviously a smarter decision to stop the NRL for a period of 8 weeks than risk upsetting relationships with existing local fans, sponsors etc.
Would it be possible to start the NRL competition perhaps 3 weeks early; ending 3 weeks later than normal? Or provide mid week matches?
10. However the Most Important Issue Is!
I didn't mean to upset anyone. Both sports are entertaning. Can't we agree that its unAustralian to reject a sporting competition that could inject $6 billion into our economy throughout all states of the nation?
Fortunately, even if you don't agree, unbiased minds will make the decision and legislate necessary changes in law to ensure its successful performance.
-Chriso