Something that particularly bugs me about the governing bodies of various sports is when they decide to make a change to a certain facet of the rules or system that there is seemingly no problem with. These changes are often unpopular with the fan base, making them seem pointless, especially when time and thought could be better invested into aspects that perhaps do need fixing.
One of these instances was in V8 Supercars. A few years back the general qualifying system was a certain time period where all cars were allowed to go out and post the fastest lap they could, followed by a "Top 10 Shootout" which was very exciting and everyone loved it. However a couple of years ago they decided to oust this system and implement an F1 style structure that was much less popular. Unsurprisingly, the shootout made it's return this season.
Another instance of this in V8s was a change this year which sees a qualifying session before every race, where previously the grid for races after race 1 on a weekend would be decided by the finishing order of the previous race. Nobody had a problem with the system while this new procedure seems to have disadvantages such as good battles that occurred in race 1 being unable to continue due to the drivers being separated by a new grid.
A big example is about to hit us in cricket. After being trialled in a number of Test Matches, the 'referral' system will become apart of the game later this year. Cricket umpires are quite good and are considered to make the correct decision at least 90% of the time. There have been no great outcries over umpiring in cricket, it is one of the smoothest officiating systems out of all sports. So why unnecessarily introduce challenges? Especially after the trial was far from flawless. I witnessed a number of decisions reversed by the 3rd Umpire due to a challenge that left me scratching my head.
And I couldn't go without having a dig at the NRL in this article. Golden Point. Why the hell was this introduced? When two teams are equal at the end of a contest, the fair result is a draw, one point each yes? But no, the NRL decided to bring in a way to artificially get a winner.
Honestly, I could bring up numerous rules changes or "new interpretations" that the NRL have come up with that have been inappropriate, the grounding of the ball for a try for one while actual issues go unpoliced such as playing the ball with your foot and walking off the mark.
The message is quite simple, don't change a good thing. Its one way to frustrate the fans and turn them against you.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
TC's Ratings (NRL)
In my opinion anyway, this season is shaping up as one of the most interesting ever. Whoever ends up winning this competition is going to have to work extremely hard. This is simply because there are so many premiership chances. There are teams like the Bulldogs who have flown out of the blocks and top the competition and there are also those such as Manly who have stumbled early but are slowly creeping their way back.
Lets take a look at how I currently rate the 16 teams.
1. Bulldogs
You can't pick any team ahead of them at the moment. They officially lost to the Dragons, but really, they beat them. Perhaps swap this loss with the game they should have lost, but ended up winning (of course, the 14 man incident, losing them 2 points) against the Panthers. Their other loss, which is more concerning, was against the Titans - without Scott Prince. This shows there are weaknesses for the team and could easily encounter a rough patch soon, but they will be there come finals.
2. Dragons
Just beat the competition leaders, but should have lost. If not for their loss against the Cowboys, however, I would have rated them as number 1. Wayne Bennett has taken no time to get this team performing and come finals they will take a lot of stopping.
3. Panthers
Penrith have easily been the surprise of 2009. Sitting in 4th on the table when everybody expected them to challenge for the spoon. They have plenty of young players coming of age as well as a wealth of experience in players such as Luke Lewis and Civoniceva. They have what it takes to give the comp a shake. It is a real shame that they play the Dragons this week. Both sides will be without some of their big players and no indication of where both sides are at should be taken out of it.
4. Knights
The Knights have looked a well structured, well coached outfit. They just need to iron out their inconsistency. They will also be a big player come finals. The Knights are another team facing a big opponent this week, comp leaders Bulldogs. Another game ruined by Origin absentees.
5. Storm
As we go down, it gets harder for me to separate these teams. The Storm haven't been the amazing force of recent years but they are still a very, very good side. Losing comfortably to the Dogs on the weekend was a big blow and Origin may also hurt them. But they will 'Storm' home in the latter stages of the season and are certainly an outside chance at the title.
6. Sea Eagles
Don't forget the premiers. They are by no means out of it yet. After a horror start to the season, on and off the field, they are slowly creeping back up the table. They will probably rack up some good wins over the next month or so and shoot themselves into the 8. If Brett Stewart returns later in the season, they just may be able to find that Premiership winning form at the right time.
7. Broncos
It was a tough decision to slide the Broncos all the way down here. But I honestly think they are lucky to be third on the table at the moment. They have had a relatively easy draw and have not been outstanding in most of those games. The origin period will hurt them. The Broncos are not a chance for Grand Final 09.
8. Titans
The final couple of top 8 spots will be hotly contested and I have no idea who will jag the final spot. I'm going to say the Titans sit here currently, they have looked on and off throughout the season. I would be not at all surprised if they have another 2nd half of season downturn and end up missing the 8. They have beaten some big teams, but something just doesn't seem right to me. In saying that, they have a relatively easy draw...
9. Cowboys
North Queensland have had a funny season. They started off shockingly, winning 1 from their first 5. After putting away the Sharks and Manly, they seemed to be gathering steam - only to go down to the lowly Eels. From there they then knocked off the Dragons and then yesterday the Knights. Perhaps a finals team, but they have a pretty hard draw and will do well to make it.
10. Rabbitohs
Would the real South Sydney please stand up? They look a great team but they are just not performing. They should have dealt with the Eels easily, but Parramatta outplayed them. They got close to the leaders the Bulldogs, they got close to the Titans and they beat the Knights. They definitely have something there and they need to find "it" soon (consistently), otherwise they will miss out.
11. Tigers
Another team with potential. The Tigers have turned in some good performances and had some back luck, losing their last 3 games by 2 points or less. They have some tough games approaching and will be hard pressed making the finals. However with Benji at his best, anything could happen...
12. Raiders
Canberra will be disapointed with their teams performance. After such an exciting finish to last year they came out in 09 really flat and now they are a very outside chance at making the finals. Campese the key.
13. Eels
No improvement from the Eels this year. Hayne at fullback is their shining light. They are going to remain low for the remainder of the season.
14. Warriors
What happened to the Warriors. They looked a top 8 certainty pre-season. They are playing crap at present but they could turn it around. The next few games could spell the end for the Warriors.
15. Roosters
It won't be long before the Roosters drop below the Sharks I feel. Fittler is messing around with the team and his incompetence is showing as he feels the pinch. Bye bye Fittler, bye bye Roosters 09.
16. Sharks
Turmoil. No money, no sponsors, no wins. Off field drama and an under performing team. What a fall, they were marked by many as a strong chance for the premiership in the beginning. Now all they can do is try and salvage some pride and they do have the potential to do a bit of that.
Lets take a look at how I currently rate the 16 teams.
1. Bulldogs
You can't pick any team ahead of them at the moment. They officially lost to the Dragons, but really, they beat them. Perhaps swap this loss with the game they should have lost, but ended up winning (of course, the 14 man incident, losing them 2 points) against the Panthers. Their other loss, which is more concerning, was against the Titans - without Scott Prince. This shows there are weaknesses for the team and could easily encounter a rough patch soon, but they will be there come finals.
2. Dragons
Just beat the competition leaders, but should have lost. If not for their loss against the Cowboys, however, I would have rated them as number 1. Wayne Bennett has taken no time to get this team performing and come finals they will take a lot of stopping.
3. Panthers
Penrith have easily been the surprise of 2009. Sitting in 4th on the table when everybody expected them to challenge for the spoon. They have plenty of young players coming of age as well as a wealth of experience in players such as Luke Lewis and Civoniceva. They have what it takes to give the comp a shake. It is a real shame that they play the Dragons this week. Both sides will be without some of their big players and no indication of where both sides are at should be taken out of it.
4. Knights
The Knights have looked a well structured, well coached outfit. They just need to iron out their inconsistency. They will also be a big player come finals. The Knights are another team facing a big opponent this week, comp leaders Bulldogs. Another game ruined by Origin absentees.
5. Storm
As we go down, it gets harder for me to separate these teams. The Storm haven't been the amazing force of recent years but they are still a very, very good side. Losing comfortably to the Dogs on the weekend was a big blow and Origin may also hurt them. But they will 'Storm' home in the latter stages of the season and are certainly an outside chance at the title.
6. Sea Eagles
Don't forget the premiers. They are by no means out of it yet. After a horror start to the season, on and off the field, they are slowly creeping back up the table. They will probably rack up some good wins over the next month or so and shoot themselves into the 8. If Brett Stewart returns later in the season, they just may be able to find that Premiership winning form at the right time.
7. Broncos
It was a tough decision to slide the Broncos all the way down here. But I honestly think they are lucky to be third on the table at the moment. They have had a relatively easy draw and have not been outstanding in most of those games. The origin period will hurt them. The Broncos are not a chance for Grand Final 09.
8. Titans
The final couple of top 8 spots will be hotly contested and I have no idea who will jag the final spot. I'm going to say the Titans sit here currently, they have looked on and off throughout the season. I would be not at all surprised if they have another 2nd half of season downturn and end up missing the 8. They have beaten some big teams, but something just doesn't seem right to me. In saying that, they have a relatively easy draw...
9. Cowboys
North Queensland have had a funny season. They started off shockingly, winning 1 from their first 5. After putting away the Sharks and Manly, they seemed to be gathering steam - only to go down to the lowly Eels. From there they then knocked off the Dragons and then yesterday the Knights. Perhaps a finals team, but they have a pretty hard draw and will do well to make it.
10. Rabbitohs
Would the real South Sydney please stand up? They look a great team but they are just not performing. They should have dealt with the Eels easily, but Parramatta outplayed them. They got close to the leaders the Bulldogs, they got close to the Titans and they beat the Knights. They definitely have something there and they need to find "it" soon (consistently), otherwise they will miss out.
11. Tigers
Another team with potential. The Tigers have turned in some good performances and had some back luck, losing their last 3 games by 2 points or less. They have some tough games approaching and will be hard pressed making the finals. However with Benji at his best, anything could happen...
12. Raiders
Canberra will be disapointed with their teams performance. After such an exciting finish to last year they came out in 09 really flat and now they are a very outside chance at making the finals. Campese the key.
13. Eels
No improvement from the Eels this year. Hayne at fullback is their shining light. They are going to remain low for the remainder of the season.
14. Warriors
What happened to the Warriors. They looked a top 8 certainty pre-season. They are playing crap at present but they could turn it around. The next few games could spell the end for the Warriors.
15. Roosters
It won't be long before the Roosters drop below the Sharks I feel. Fittler is messing around with the team and his incompetence is showing as he feels the pinch. Bye bye Fittler, bye bye Roosters 09.
16. Sharks
Turmoil. No money, no sponsors, no wins. Off field drama and an under performing team. What a fall, they were marked by many as a strong chance for the premiership in the beginning. Now all they can do is try and salvage some pride and they do have the potential to do a bit of that.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Challenges the Way to go for NRL
Something must be done quickly to stop the rot that is NRL refereeing at the moment. Good games are being ruined and unfairly decided by poor officiating. Fans hate it, players hate it, coaches hate it, clubs hate it, punters hate it: it is making our game look like a farce.
The latest edition in the recent series of unfortunate events was a penalty against Manly half back Matt Orford after he dived on a loose ball kicked through by Preston Campbell. He was ruled to have taken Campbell out, even though he was clearly contesting the ball and even landed on top of the footy. Many people have been left bewildered, wondering what referee Matt Cecchin could have possibly seen to make his decision. Even with two referees, two touch judges and one video referee an incorrect game defining decision was made. Inexperience? A bad mistake? Whatever the reason, it is now clear that we cannot fix up the officiating in our game by adding more refs, neither can we magically improve the quality of our refs.
Last year the NRL got it wrong when they introduced video ref checking on nearly every knock on or penalty. It dramatically slowed the game down and they often made wrong decisions anyway.
There is a simple solution that has not yet been discussed as an option for Rugby League and it is one that has been introduced into other sports with success. The challenge system could resolve the issues we are currently encountering. It has worked in tennis, is (controversially) about to be introduced into cricket and has been a part of NFL for years. The NRL need to look at this option quickly and introduce a good system.
To prevent many stoppages and a challenge on every call, they should be made scarce, perhaps two incorrect challenges for each team in the game and then they get no more. That way they would only be used for obvious mistakes or crucial decisions. The captain must notify the ref of a challenge immediately. And if the video ref cannot definitely say that the ref has made a mistake after two looks, the decision stands.
A challenge system with these rules could really clean up the mistakes made by refs in the game and would also not slow the game down too much. If the NRL decides on a challenge system they must get it right.
As for video ref mistakes, Gus Gould has made a good point many times, that there should be an ex player in the box aiding with decisions.
The latest edition in the recent series of unfortunate events was a penalty against Manly half back Matt Orford after he dived on a loose ball kicked through by Preston Campbell. He was ruled to have taken Campbell out, even though he was clearly contesting the ball and even landed on top of the footy. Many people have been left bewildered, wondering what referee Matt Cecchin could have possibly seen to make his decision. Even with two referees, two touch judges and one video referee an incorrect game defining decision was made. Inexperience? A bad mistake? Whatever the reason, it is now clear that we cannot fix up the officiating in our game by adding more refs, neither can we magically improve the quality of our refs.
Last year the NRL got it wrong when they introduced video ref checking on nearly every knock on or penalty. It dramatically slowed the game down and they often made wrong decisions anyway.
There is a simple solution that has not yet been discussed as an option for Rugby League and it is one that has been introduced into other sports with success. The challenge system could resolve the issues we are currently encountering. It has worked in tennis, is (controversially) about to be introduced into cricket and has been a part of NFL for years. The NRL need to look at this option quickly and introduce a good system.
To prevent many stoppages and a challenge on every call, they should be made scarce, perhaps two incorrect challenges for each team in the game and then they get no more. That way they would only be used for obvious mistakes or crucial decisions. The captain must notify the ref of a challenge immediately. And if the video ref cannot definitely say that the ref has made a mistake after two looks, the decision stands.
A challenge system with these rules could really clean up the mistakes made by refs in the game and would also not slow the game down too much. If the NRL decides on a challenge system they must get it right.
As for video ref mistakes, Gus Gould has made a good point many times, that there should be an ex player in the box aiding with decisions.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The Most Ridiculous Rule in the NRL
It is rarely needed, but the most ludicrous rule in the NRL rule book has reared its ugly head in the same game two years in a row. If the ball hits a referee, he is deemed to have interfered with play and a scrum shall be packed with the feed going to the team who is in attack, which is determined by which half the ball is in.
In last years heritage round match between the Wests Tigers and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at the SCG, the Tigers were on the attack with the score 10-6 in favour of Souths who were searching for their first win of the season. The Bunnies managed to defend well and on a 4th tackle play, the ball was grubbered straight into referee Ben Cummins. Rabbitohs fans were disgusted when a scrum was awarded to the Tigers, who got another full set and scored. They hit the lead and from there the whole complexion of the game had changed. In a tight, perhaps crucial point in the game, the Tigers were handed an unfair advantage and there was nothing the Rabbits could do from preventing this turning point.
Coincidentally, last weekend in the heritage round match between the Wests Tigers and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at the SCG, the same event happened. The Tigers had just made in into the "attacking half" when on the last play, Farrah planted his kick right into referee Ashley Klein. A Tigers scrum feed followed as the Souths fans chant of "Bull$h*t" rang throughout the ground. Luckily for Souths the Tigers did not managed to score off the back of it, and the rest of that game is history.
It is amazing that such an archaic, unfair rule still exists in the game. The defending team is penalised for doing nothing wrong, for something they have no control over. You could even argue that they pay for a mistake made by the opposition. The NRL need to change this rule now, although it very rarely happens there is a chance it could occur in a big game, an Origin or a Grand Final, and unfairly change the course of that game.
There are many fairer options the NRL could consider when changing the rule. A simple turnover could be ruled, the same as when a team makes a mistake on the last play, the team could be told to go back and play the ball again or a scrum or play the ball could be awarded to kicking team but the tackle count does not restart.
Is it possible that players could start aiming at the ref more often as an option to get a repeat set? Effectively a player could turn around, chase the ref patrolling the ruck and kick the ball into them to get a scrum feed.
The NRL has enough unclear or unpopular rules, simple anomalies like this should be eliminated. All it does is unnecessarily add to the problem.
Below are the two incidents.
In last years heritage round match between the Wests Tigers and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at the SCG, the Tigers were on the attack with the score 10-6 in favour of Souths who were searching for their first win of the season. The Bunnies managed to defend well and on a 4th tackle play, the ball was grubbered straight into referee Ben Cummins. Rabbitohs fans were disgusted when a scrum was awarded to the Tigers, who got another full set and scored. They hit the lead and from there the whole complexion of the game had changed. In a tight, perhaps crucial point in the game, the Tigers were handed an unfair advantage and there was nothing the Rabbits could do from preventing this turning point.
Coincidentally, last weekend in the heritage round match between the Wests Tigers and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at the SCG, the same event happened. The Tigers had just made in into the "attacking half" when on the last play, Farrah planted his kick right into referee Ashley Klein. A Tigers scrum feed followed as the Souths fans chant of "Bull$h*t" rang throughout the ground. Luckily for Souths the Tigers did not managed to score off the back of it, and the rest of that game is history.
It is amazing that such an archaic, unfair rule still exists in the game. The defending team is penalised for doing nothing wrong, for something they have no control over. You could even argue that they pay for a mistake made by the opposition. The NRL need to change this rule now, although it very rarely happens there is a chance it could occur in a big game, an Origin or a Grand Final, and unfairly change the course of that game.
There are many fairer options the NRL could consider when changing the rule. A simple turnover could be ruled, the same as when a team makes a mistake on the last play, the team could be told to go back and play the ball again or a scrum or play the ball could be awarded to kicking team but the tackle count does not restart.
Is it possible that players could start aiming at the ref more often as an option to get a repeat set? Effectively a player could turn around, chase the ref patrolling the ruck and kick the ball into them to get a scrum feed.
The NRL has enough unclear or unpopular rules, simple anomalies like this should be eliminated. All it does is unnecessarily add to the problem.
Below are the two incidents.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Wallace Earns Covell Award Nomination
We have ourselves another new name on the list of Covell award nominations. Peter Wallace sent this kick from the sideline to "Bathurst" (Thanks Vossy!). He is our first nominee from a rep game, this coming from the City Country match on Friday night. At the time, this was to tie up the game.
It looks like Benji Marshall's effort from the last batch will not make the final cut of potential award winners at the end of the season.
It looks like Benji Marshall's effort from the last batch will not make the final cut of potential award winners at the end of the season.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Watson Wins, Australia Loses
Despite a patient century from Aussie opener Shane Watson, Pakistan have won the final game of the 5 match series in Abu Dhabi.
The match may have been a dead rubber, but Australia's chances of clinching another victory were dealt a blow by the man who on paper played a superb innings.
Shane Watson notched up his 2nd one day international century and in doing so halted his team's charge to a big score on what was a fairly flat pitch. For the most part of his innings Watson was going at a run a ball, but as soon as his hundred seemed in reach he slowed right down and took no risks. His 116 came off 146 balls - way too slow in the circumstances. Compare that to Pakistani keeper Kamran Akmal's knock of the same score which came off only 115 balls and it could be inferred that the difference in these two innings made the difference in the end result.
It is obvious that Watson thought he needed to make a huge statement to the selectors while he had the chance in order to retain his spot in the team, it is why he showed such caution and determination to get that 100th run. But would the selectors have been more impressed by an attempt to get the Aussie total moving along to a more competitive score?
The batting power play was called at 35 overs. The field was brought in and the spinners came into the attack from both ends. They kept it tight and Watson failed to hit through the field while he refused to risk going over the top. The power play was wasted.
I am a big Shane Watson fan. I think his batting alone is enough for a place in the Australian ODI team and possibly even the test team. His bowling is also valuable and if he's fit enough its a huge bonus. Watson would have gained a lot from this innings. He got the century he wanted and when he fronts up in England for the next ODI there will be less pressure on him to retain his spot. There are big things to come from him and although he blindly hampered Australia in this game for his own good he will be back, and will set up or win many games for Australia over the next couple of years.
The match may have been a dead rubber, but Australia's chances of clinching another victory were dealt a blow by the man who on paper played a superb innings.
Shane Watson notched up his 2nd one day international century and in doing so halted his team's charge to a big score on what was a fairly flat pitch. For the most part of his innings Watson was going at a run a ball, but as soon as his hundred seemed in reach he slowed right down and took no risks. His 116 came off 146 balls - way too slow in the circumstances. Compare that to Pakistani keeper Kamran Akmal's knock of the same score which came off only 115 balls and it could be inferred that the difference in these two innings made the difference in the end result.
It is obvious that Watson thought he needed to make a huge statement to the selectors while he had the chance in order to retain his spot in the team, it is why he showed such caution and determination to get that 100th run. But would the selectors have been more impressed by an attempt to get the Aussie total moving along to a more competitive score?
The batting power play was called at 35 overs. The field was brought in and the spinners came into the attack from both ends. They kept it tight and Watson failed to hit through the field while he refused to risk going over the top. The power play was wasted.
I am a big Shane Watson fan. I think his batting alone is enough for a place in the Australian ODI team and possibly even the test team. His bowling is also valuable and if he's fit enough its a huge bonus. Watson would have gained a lot from this innings. He got the century he wanted and when he fronts up in England for the next ODI there will be less pressure on him to retain his spot. There are big things to come from him and although he blindly hampered Australia in this game for his own good he will be back, and will set up or win many games for Australia over the next couple of years.
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