At the elite level, athletes define some of the best traits in the workforce: commitment, hard work and passion. But in any job, you should know what is and is not allowed in the workplace.
Therefore sportsmen and women should be expected to know the game in which they are carving out a career.
A recent article by Dave Middleton pointed out that some BBL players were caught short by a relatively recent rule change regarding catches on the boundary.
On Saturday night, Josh Lalor of the Sydney Thunder caught Cameron White of the Melbourne Stars out while flirting with the boundary rope. Some have argued the catch was considered legal before a recent rule change and it was only the wording of the particular clause that changed. In any case, it proved that players like Glenn Maxwell and White were not up-to-date with the current rules.
This is not the first such issue, as Dave Middleton points out in his article, with Trent Boult taking a catch where this clause was made keenly aware.
Rule changes are common in sport and one would think elite athletes should be able to, maybe not remember clause by number, but be aware of significant rule changes that could affect them.
For example, Adam Goodes was caught unaware by a rule change a few seasons ago where he kicked the ball through the opposition’s goal, hoping to have a behind and reset the play. Instead, to his disbelief, it was called a free kick for intentionally knocking the ball over the line.
These people represent their sports at the top level and yet, these rule changes went unnoticed by them. Players have a responsibility to know their game. We pay to watch games and see the players in action, so those who are paid to play the game should know the rules by which their actions can be dictated.
In fact, by knowing the rules certain strategies could be made. This is not abusing the system, but using the given rules to the best advantage of a player or team. Josh Lalor managed this successfully.
Perhaps I am overzealous about the issue, however, it seems to me that players who don’t know the rules of their game perhaps are not as committed.
josh
Roar Rookie
Was the issue the confusion between the demarcation of the boundary? In the 90's I believe the rule was updated, to say the boundary is a line on the field of ball and doesn't extend vertically, hence a ball hit on the full that hits the rope is 6, not 4. But then was/is the ball six as soon as it crosses that plane? Even so I thought the catch would stand under the old rules, because it is that much different to a player sliding in the rope/fence after stopping the ball then retrieving it? Or under the rules if the player was in the field of play but reached over, but didn't touch, the boundary to make catch, would that have been out? My other comment, is never ask a player for an interpretation of the rules, they'd be the last to know.
Jason Hosken
Guest
Thanks Jack - got it. You caught me out, so to speak. There you go, i didn't realise...glad i'm not alone. Cheers, Jason
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
The article link explains it Jason. Well worth reading.
Jason Hosken
Guest
Jack - i was at the Thunder game and couldn't believe White was given out. I have not caught up with the rule change. Be great if you can bring me up to speed. Cheers Jason
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
Thanks Jacob. It is just astonishing that these professional athletes struggle to know some fairly basic rules of their own games.
Jacob York
Roar Rookie
Love this article Jack! Completely agree with you there... Whilst Cameron White knowing that that was out rather than not out in that instance wouldn't have made a difference it certainly makes the game go faster and easier, and like you said - certain tactics can then be employed. I for one do try to study the rules hard so when I play I can have the most possible advantages over my opponents as possible.
Jason Hosken
Guest
Duckworth Lewis a classic. Not many on the ground understand that rule/formula. S Pollock 2003 WC.