who else thinks that the rule changes made this year are a disgrace and an insult to supporters?

Question

in particular im talking about the hands in the back rule during a marking contest,can the AFL make OUR game any softer?

Answer 1

Although I do think that it is making the game softer, the problem I have with it is the fact that we are making changes at all. It seems rule changes are introduced every season. In a game that is roughly 130 years old, the rate of change is ridiculous. The people who decide these rule changes are doing so simply to justify their existence.

Apart from the hands in the back rule (which changes the game for the worse), the rule that you can't take out a players arms in a marking contest has taken away a right that defenders have had for over a century.

Just leave the game as it was, you can't improve on perfection.

Answer 2

Pompous ,elitise, egotistical halfwits is the best way to describe those in charge , and the others given the right to continually stuff with the rules of what was the greatest game in the world. It was once a tough game for the recreation of MEN, but these days with rules constantly changing,we now have ,unlike in the 60's 70's & 80's, a LADIES league, with teams all over the place. This just suggest's the games rules have been modified so often now , that It has simply evolved into a GIRLS game.

Answer 3

I totally agree with you FORKY, I think I have stated my opions on this topic too much, but it shows that I don't agree with the rules committee at all. They are ruining our great game. The AFL should listen to the supporters and the clubs, as this is now getting out hand. Far too many rule changes,its killing our game. They should leave it alone for at least 3 yrs, then look at the rules.As I said before, The players will be wearing skirts by 2009.

Answer 4

While I agree, similar rules are being placed in effect in almost all sports. While it is " softening the game" remember that the " hard hitters" of yesteryear would get there butts whomped by the gents of today.

In the NFL in 1970's ( real tough man football) the biggest guys n the team weighed in at 230lbs (104kg) - 260lbs (118kg). Today the skill (speed positions) weigh that much and the larger guys weigh in excess of 300lbs (130+ kg). There is now way that a 200lb running back of yesteryear could beat/take a 330lb guy of today. The muscle mass and technology has evolved so much that the forces of today will do more damage then in the "twilight ages" of yesterday.

While this particular rule is obnoxious, it does serve the most important rule of keep the guys safe and playing. I'd much rather see my guys out there playing and whining instead of being sidelined because some bastard gave them a shove into someone else's knee.

Answer 5

Yep, fed up with all the changing interpretations. If you see a game from 20 years ago (which isn't that long) check out how the holding the ball rule has changed. That is but one example.