The Old Dark Navy's
Moderator
- Moderator
- #376
In most cases I would agree with you, however in this instance I think that the AFL had/have a perfect chance to set this is stone so that it is really clear to everyone. Touching/contact to an umpire is a no go zone no matter what. You touch an umpire and you get a week minimum depending on the severity of it. The incidental contact where players accidentally run in to the umpire is a different issue IMO. When it's a clear cut case such as these last 4, then I think a week for each and be done with it. Super clear to all and sundry - can absolutely be black and white in these umpire contact cases IMO.
If it were black and white I don't think you will be seeing it in the future and it sends the right signals to the kids and lower leagues.
I just don't see the lower leagues thinking it is okay to aggressively touch an umpire based on these decisions. It's a bridge too far for me. Anybody that is going to disrespect an umpire physically isn't going to suddenly remember 'oh yeah, I can't touch you'.
It's another one of those slippery slope scenarios that probably holds little weight IMO.