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Two years ago, I attended an NRL match in Brisbane and sat next to a man and his three primary school age children.
During the half time break we began talking and I learnt that ‘Steve’ was a single dad earning around $55,000 a year and, by his estimation, had spent close to $200 that day on return transport, tickets, food and the cheapest supporters merchandise for his daughter.
At the end of the match, he told me it would probably be the last game he attended that season because he couldn’t afford it. One of his kids heard our conversation and broke into tears. ‘Steve’ looked shattered as we shook hands and he walked off with his three kids.
From that conversation, planning commenced that culminated this week in the launch of Sport Supporters Australia<. why do fans need their own lobby group well is not an isolated case. as the battle for hearts minds and wallets of sports in australia set to intensify coming years with new teams codes major cities all looking at ways increase revenue this world are being squeezed breaking point. our board doesn think that fair or sustainable long run sport australia. has a multi billion dollar sporting industry we it about time stakeholders were truly represented table government media on issues matter affect supporters. every other its representing key stakeholders. should be any different more so when following decisions could you i presently sitting boardroom desk federal minister sport. pending decision present: by what events will shown live free pay television. meeting taking place today between executives decide can television news devices. want control content even censor reporting incidents controversy have been approached some gambling organisations proposal would see able bet your mobile phone kicks goal rugby afl nrl. before get too excited implications problem gamblers integrity given tanking alleged throwing match roosters end last nrl season. report her recommends cutting funding elite favour sending grass roots health prevention initiatives. happy accept facilities programs going cut if ready higher ticket prices each go game make up somehow. did know making premium priced tickets available next season while number lower cost general admission these just few agenda right now. welcome thoughts others consider hot topics. thought starters discussed following: implementing golden point rather than settle drawn matches. introduce system whereby player transfers happen out impose financial penalties air stations don show matches delay early hours. sell union test price depending how wallabies performing. i.e. vs performance. they lose several race tri nations year drop perhaps still fill stadium people attracted paying cheaper players play full house. maximum capped perform. href="http://www.sportsupporters.com.au" target="_blank">Sport Supporters Australia would also welcome your involvement with us and it is why we have signed on with The Roar as our official media partner.
We have also established a number of advisory committees for all the major sports that will report to our board. The recommendations of those sub committees will form the policy positions, submissions, media and government lobbying campaigns we present to the CEO’s of the major spectator sports and the Government.
Like any lobbying organisation, our voice will become more powerful through our strength in numbers.
I can reveal that next week we intend to write to the CEO’s of the major sporting codes, suggesting a new penalty system be introduced for players who misbehave.
Using the Brendan Fevola saga as an example – why should he have his contract terminated at Carlton only to be allowed to go and join the Brisbane Lions?
Why not fine him, halve his contract for the next 12 months, make him stay at Carlton so the fans still have a realistic hope of seeing their team win a premiership and make him work twice as hard on and off the field to ensure Carlton have a crack at the flag?
Just a final thought on why Sport Supporters Australia is needed.
I did a radio interview this week and was told by the presenter that prior to interviewing me, he had asked a leading sports administrator what he thought about Sports Supporters Australia? The administrator responded that “We already talk to our fans.”
I responded by saying that we want sporting administrators to talk with fans. We are still a long way from getting to that point.
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