Similarities between the AFL and Communism | Thebigtip

The PRC (People's Republic of China) is a Communist regime that leads the largest population in the world. Characterised by its lack of free press and vicious punishments for the expressions of such, China is considered by many political commentators in the Western World as primitive, backward and 'wrong'. With no higher authority to denounce their actions, they are able to control the media so that the people are unaware of what is really going on.

While China seems a world away from those of us who have grown up with the freedoms that democracy offers, we fail to see the signs of dictatorship, often associated with communism, creeping into many aspects of management in our own country. For those of us that do see these principles being practised, we are helpless to effect positive change and have to consign ourselves to a state of unwilfull acceptance or we will face major consequences.

No, i'm not talking about religion or politics. i'm talking about sport, and more particularly the AFL.

For almost everyone not native to NSW or QLD, AFL is more of a religion than than Christianity and Islam. The millions of people that attend AFL games every year pay homage to the greats of the game, and live of every kick, handball and tackle.

As the game begins to expand into the wild territory of NSW and QLD (Rugbyland), the AFL has begun to make changes and implement policies to try and improve the image and pace of the game, while keeping it profitable for themselves. Increases in ticket prices are the smallest of changes that have been made by the AFL.

Now, imagine being fined $3,000 or losing your job for something as natural as expressing your honest opinion in a country as free as Australia. Well.... welcome to the wonderful and controlled world of the AFL administration.

On Wednesday, 30th June, Cameron Ling, the well respected captain of the 2009 Premiers, was fined $3,000 for making the following comments in reference to the way the umpiring was conducted,

"Some people seemed to have mistaken the sport for netball and...some decisions hurt a bit".

The AFL tried to justify its actions by saying,

"It is very important that leaders in the AFL competition set this example as we continue to struggle to retain umpires at community level".

What example is that exactly? I have considered a few things that the AFL might have meant when suggesting what they want the club leaders to set an example:

1) The AFL doesn't want people to have an opinion on the umpiring of the game;

2) The AFL doesn't want these idea's submitted to the media, and finally;

3) The AFL will punish anyone who does express that opinion.

In the modern world people are entitled to a free and unfettered opinion on any topic provided it doesn't impinge on the rights of other people. In this instance, Cameron Ling did nothing other than express his opinion, and yet the AFL sought to silence him by imposing a fine. Did he break the law? No. Did he go against any AFL rules? No. Was Cameron Ling trying to defame the AFL? Certainly when his income depends on the success of the AFL I doubt not.