Opinion Rules of our game are being subverted by advertising money

[czero]

We keep getting told that the game needs more more goals, less stoppages.

The AFL seem to be convincing us that its a better game that way.

Is it? I'm convinced that the deals being made within the media rights are the things that are forcing these changes on us.

If its because of money, is it bad? Perhaps a change is not bad in itself, but I think its certainly something to worry about when the rules of our game are possibly being changed for money, and possibly not for the betterment of the game.

Examples
The 90 cap might make games more open as the game goes on considering the current state of team tactics with it being so run heavy on defense, but is this causing more soft tissue injuries?

The tighter boundary rules and the newly tightened point rule. So now we give a team 7 points (and an add break) when the ball goes out and an umpire makes a call on something that is largely intangible? Do we not want a boundary throw-in around the pockets and trade them for free kicks now because thats where most deliberate outs occur?

I think its something that we should monitor.

 

[TruRoos7]

Interesting thoughts, seeing as I watch Foxtel for my footy without the ad per goal issue I didn't see the changes as an issue. But I had the misfortune to happen to watch a partial game on FTA and was royally pissed off by the constant ads. Having read your post the conspiracy theory fits the narrative of more goals = more ads = more revenue for broadcasters = more revenue for AFL when rights deals come up. Did the AFL make these changes in order to appease the broadcaster?, I'm not sure. Is it all about the fans wanting to watch a more entertaining game of free flowing footy or are we just naive to think they think of us....

 

[Tas]

Seeing Tarrant's golden concrete fist punch the ball out of bounds from a marking contest makes me more excited than the soft goals being scored, good defensive pressure footy is great to watch, seeing the crowd stand to their feet when players throw themselves to smother a ball, bust an arse for a second and third effort. That is the hallmark of champions and it is a skillset that every kid to every professional footballer can aspire to and execute because all it requires is the desire, the hunger and the passion for the contest. It doesn't require you to be gifted by foot, be a left footer, be a Wayne Carey with the ability to mark and kick clutch goals, all it takes is heart and that heart is more inspirational to rank and file supporters.

What the AFL wants is a plastic artificial money making machine bereft of the heart and soul of the real AFL. They reward players second to the ball, penalise players throwing their body in to win the hard ball, make players fear attempting to do 1%ers for risk of drawing soft suspensions. It has been manipulated not just for advertising, but for a wider modern audience.

 

[The Pleb]

Now this is a conspiracy theory I can get behind

 

[amaz199]

Seeing Tarrant's golden concrete fist punch the ball out of bounds from a marking contest makes me more excited than the soft goals being scored, good defensive pressure footy is great to watch, seeing the crowd stand to their feet when players throw themselves to smother a ball, bust an arse for a second and third effort. That is the hallmark of champions and it is a skillset that every kid to every professional footballer can aspire to and execute because all it requires is the desire, the hunger and the passion for the contest. It doesn't require you to be gifted by foot, be a left footer, be a Wayne Carey with the ability to mark and kick clutch goals, all it takes is heart and that heart is more inspirational to rank and file supporters.

What the AFL wants is a plastic artificial money making machine bereft of the heart and soul of the real AFL. They reward players second to the ball, penalise players throwing their body in to win the hard ball, make players fear attempting to do 1%ers for risk of drawing soft suspensions. It has been manipulated not just for advertising, but for a wider modern audience.

And it's frustrating that the AFL continually plays around with these rules only to add confusion to the already fragmented rules of the game. Players are used to the rules that they grew up learning throughout their junior to rookie careers not constant rule changes every year.

Why change rules like the holding the ball rule by adding 'genuine attempt' crap? I understand that some players tend to strategically dive on to the pill to prevent the opposition from gaining possession but the umpires are almost always in the wrong position to make the call. They almost always assume that the player wants to hold up play which is a complete disaster for supporters that want a fair game.

And don't get me started on the deliberate out of bounds rule...

That, is a complete shambles at the moment and almost cost us the game against Geelong in the semi final. (thank goodness Goldy saved the day.)

Attending an AFL game today is definitely not the same as it was 8-9 years ago... The game has completely changed unecessarily... But Unfortunately supporters and players have to adapt...

However, changing the game too often can result in smaller crowd attendance averages so the AFL need to keep an eye on their methods of making money. We're the main contributors after all...

If the AFL continues along this path, attendance to AFL games will drop. Almost certain they will...

Obviously, there are times when the sport needs tweaking but I don't see the justification in tweaking the rules every year to supposedly 'improve' the game. Leave it the way it is would be a great solution but the AFL has this tweaking addiction. Almost as bad as watching Bruce McAvaney commentary.

 

[Gasometer]

Stupid game has been written off for 100 years.

Still going.

 

[czero]

Now this is a conspiracy theory I can get behind

At the moment its just a theory.

It only become a conspiracy if someone officially questions the AFL about it and they deny it.