Should the AFL ban booing?
What they said… ‘Each and every one of us understands there’s a point where it’s a step too far…Pull ourselves back from that, but otherwise enjoy your time at the footy and make sure that everybody feels included and safe’ The AFL's head of football, Steve Hocking, expressing his belief that fans know what is appropriate
‘We know the toll it takes on players; we read about it every other week. We affect to care, but don’t. Concerning umpires, we don’t even pretend. We just boo’ Sports commentator for The Age, Greg Baum, commenting on fans’ indifference to the effect of booing
The issue at a glance On April 25, 2019, Collingwood defeated Essendon in the ANZAC Day game at the MCG. After the game, Collingwood captain, Scott Pendlebury, was awarded the Anzac Medal as the game's best player; however, Essendon fans booed throughout his acceptance speech. https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/other/booing-controversy-hits-afl-as-abuse-of- collingwood-captain-scott-pendlebury-tarnishes-anzac-day-game-as-his-coach-says-fans- should-be-ashamed/ar-BBWhQcW Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley then chastised those that took part in the booing, stating, 'Shame on anyone that booed a champion - (I'd) just like to acknowledge the fact that we are blessed to have an opportunity to play on this day to represent the AFL.’ The booing was seen by some as particularly concerning as it came directly after that directed at Geelong’s Gary Ablett during the game against Hawthorn on Easter Monday, April 22, 2019. The booing incidents also evoked memories of the season-long booing campaign directed against Sydney Swans’ twice Brownlow Medal winner, Adam Goodes, in 2015. Goodes retired at the end of the 2015 season. Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has stated, ‘We have to stop it [booing]. Because what happened to Gary (Ablett), what happened to Adam Goodes, we don’t need that stuff.’ https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/other/booing-controversy-hits-afl-as-abuse-of- collingwood-captain-scott-pendlebury-tarnishes-anzac-day-game-as-his-coach-says-fans- should-be-ashamed/ar-BBWhQcW The debate surrounding how best to respond to what some condemn as ‘weaponised’ booing has been taken up by club officials, players, supporters and commentators during the weeks since the ANZAC Day game. https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/afl-crowds- weaponise-the-boo/news-story/17eb77d8cbf1a0bf3cfe2d5892ffdf04
Background The opening information below has been taken from the Wikipedia entry titled ‘Booing’ The full text can be accessed at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booing#Sports Sources for other information are supplied immediately after the information is given.
In sports, booing by fans is quite common. They may boo particularly hated players on the opposing team, or any opposing player when there is an intense rivalry between the teams. Unsportsmanlike behavior is also booed, such as intentionally hitting home team batters in baseball or diving in association football or basketball (where it is a technical foul). Booing of referees or umpires after an unpopular ruling is also common. Booing of expelled players after receiving a second yellow card or a direct red card is also common for many reasons. In professional sports, one's own home team, players or coach may be booed due to a poor performance or season.
Attitudes toward booing vary significantly between different countries and cultures.
Examples of booing in different sports Adam Goodes who played for the Sydney Swans in the Australian Football League was repeatedly and loudly booed by opposition fans during the 2015 AFL season at most of the matches whenever he touched the ball. During a match against Carlton, during the AFL's annual Indigenous Round, after he kicked a goal, he celebrated the goal by provoking the Carlton fans by performing an Indigenous war dance in which he mimed throwing a spear in their direction. Afterwards, Goodes claimed that the dance was based on the one he learned from the under-16s indigenous team the Flying Boomerangs, and that it was intended as an expression of indigenous pride during Indigenous Round, not with the intention of offending and intimidating the crowd. The booing escalated after the war dance. Goodes subsequent retirement from AFL football has been attributed to the effect of the persistent booing. The motivation for this booing is still disputed.
Brazilian motor racing driver Emerson Fittipaldi was booed when, after winning the 1993 Indianapolis 500, he chose to drink orange juice instead of the milk traditionally drunk by winners of the race. Fittipaldi had made the move in order to promote the Brazilian citrus industry.
During professional wrestling matches, most heels traditionally receive boos from the audience as the villain. (In professional wrestling, a ‘heel’ - also known as a rudo in lucha libre - is a wrestler who portrays a villain or a ‘bad guy’ and acts as an antagonist to the ‘faces’, who are the heroic protagonists or ‘good guy’ characters.) Ability to infuriate audiences and draw ‘heat’ (negative reactions such as boos and jeers) are considered essential skills for heel performers.
During the 2008 National Hockey League playoffs, the Canadian crowd started to boo during the singing of the United States National Anthem. It was being sung because the league is played in both countries, as well as the fact that a Canadian team was playing the Boston Bruins. Critics of the behaviour saw it as an inappropriate expression of national prejudice. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1127728-the-most-famous-booing-instances-in- sports#slide8
During the 2016 Olympics, the International Olympic Committee asked Brazilian fans to refrain from booing. This request was prompted by the reaction of French pole vaulter, Renaud Lavillenie, to the treatment he received during his competition with Brazilian pole vaulter, Thiago Braz da Silva. The 22-year-old Brazilian beat the defending French champion in a contest during which large sections of the Olympic Stadium crowd booing Lavillenie’s attempts. The hostile atmosphere unsettled the Frenchman, who gave fans the thumbs-down sign between attempts and in his first interview after the event likened his treatment to the reception America’s black sprinter Jesse Owens received at the notorious 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/aug/16/brazil-fans-olympic- stadium-pole-vault-booing-rio-2016
In September 2018, United States women’s tennis player, Serena Williams, pleaded with the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd to stop booing during the trophy ceremony after a series of furious rows with officials marred her US Open final against Japanese women’s tennis player, Naomi Osaka. Williams lost the match. As Osaka was being awarded the trophy, Williams stated, ‘I just want to tell you guys [Osaka] played well. Let's make this the best moment we can and get through it and give credit where credit is due. Let's not boo anymore. Congratulations Naomi. No more booing.’ https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/32833/11493673/serena-williams-pleaded-with- crowd-to-stop-booing-during-us-open-trophy-presentation
Internet information On May 13, 2019, ABC News published a comment by Offsiders columnist Richard Hinds titled ‘Footy fandom's dark side gives AFL a headache as incidents of violence drag down the game’ The opinion piece examines resent incidents of aggressive and potentially illegal behaviour among AFL football crowds. The full text can be accessed at https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-13/the-art-of- barracking-seems-lost-in-dark-side-of-footy-fandom/11105500
On May 1, 2019, The Cairns Post published a comment by Rowan Sparkes titled ‘Boos at Anzac Day match stir emotion but no sinister issues behind them’ The piece is essentially a justification of booing and a defence of fans right to do so. The full text can be accessed at https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/opinion/boos-at-anzac- day-match-stir-emotion-but-no-sinister-issues-behind-them/news- story/d0cceaf4eb61950ca6384970113be808
On April 29, 2019, SEN 1116 published a report based on an interview with Hawthorn club president and former Victorian president titled ‘Constant booing of a player “unsportsmanlike”: Kennett’. The article details Kennett’s objections to sustained booing targeting a particular player. The full text can be accessed at https://www.sen.com.au/news/2019/04/29/constant-booing- throughout-a-game-unsportsmanlike-kennett/
On April 28, 2019, the Advertiser published a comment by Dwayne Russell titled ‘Boos here to stay and will get louder if the AFL continues to tell fans not to’ The comment argues that the AFL will not be able to successfully ban booing and that should it try to do so it will encourage the practice. The full text can be accessed at https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/expert- opinion/boos-here-to-stay-and-will-get-louder-if-the-afl-continues-to-tell-fans-not-to/news- story/d79e6ed65dcca5491df8838bcbfe09b7
On April 28, 2019, Kids News published a report titled ‘Booing at football games shouldn’t target individuals, says AFL boss’ The report details the post-game events of the ANZAC Day match and quotes some of the claims which have been made about the issue of bully. The full text can be accessed at https://www.kidsnews.com.au/sport/booing-at-football- games-shouldnt-target-individuals-says-afl-boss/news- story/0bdac0fb7e957e50916769c4c6f3d1cf
On April 27, 2019, The Australian published a comment by Patrick Smith titled ‘AFL crowds weaponise the boo’ The opinion piece is critical of the behaviour of booing football crowds but argues the behaviour will be impossible to ban. The full text can be accessed at https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/afl-crowds- weaponise-the-boo/news-story/17eb77d8cbf1a0bf3cfe2d5892ffdf04
On April 27, 2019, The Age published a comment by Sam Duncan titled ‘Booing isn't pleasant, but we should accept it as part of the game’ The opinion piece argues that despite the negative aspects of booing it is an intrinsic part of AFL football that it has to be accepted. The full text can be accessed at https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/booing-isn-t-pleasant- but-we-should-accept-it-as-part-of-the-game-20190426-p51hjs.html
On April 26, 2019, The Age published a news report titled ‘”I'm not going to tell people not to boo”: McLachlan’ The report details the response of AFL chief executive officer, Gillon McLachlan, to recent instances of booing and to the practice more generally. The full text can be accessed at https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/i-m-not-going-to-tell- people-not-to-boo-mclachlan-20190426-p51hgm.html
On April 26, 2019, The Age published a comment by sports columnist Greg Baum titled ‘Footy gets the boos’ The opinion piece is critical of crowd behaviour and focuses on the abuse received by footballers. The full text can be accessed at https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/footy-gets-the-boos- 20190426-p51hlr.html
On April 26, 2019, the AFL comment site The Mongrel Punt published a comment by HB Meyers titled ‘Boo.... Who? You Can't Have This Both Ways’ which justifies fans right to boo and suggests the important contribution booing plays in the game. The full text can be accessed at https://themongrelpunt.com/afl/2019/04/26/booing
On April 26, 2019, The Courier published a comment by Melanie Whelan titled ‘Strong leadership vital to stop boo behaviour in football’ The opinion piece congratulates Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley for his stand against booing, acknowledges the work being done within community clubs to stamp out the practice and calls on AFL administrators to do more. The full text can be accessed at https://www.thecourier.com.au/story/6091126/strong- leadership-vital-to-stop-boo-behaviour-at-all-levels-of-game/
On April 26, 2019, Fox Sports published a report titled ‘AFL 2019: Mark Robinson says Anzac Day post-game booing was ‘Essendon’s shame’ on AFL 360’ which gives Robinson’s opinion on the recent booing incident. Robinson is critical of the crowd behaviour that occurred at the ANZAC Day game. The full text can be accessed at https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2019-afl-360-cohost- mark-robinson-says-anzac-day-postgame-booing-was-essendons-shame/news- story/6ae1a5b51f26edb07c0c5b1aa2cc63d2
On April 23, 2019, The Age carried a report by Jake Niall titled ‘AFL calls for better treatment of umpires’ Steve Hocking, the AFL’s head of football, is reported urging the need to change fans attitude to umpires as it is making it difficult to recruit umpires. The full text can be accessed at https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-calls-for-better- treatment-of-umpires-20190423-p51glj.html
On April 10, 2019, The West Australian published two comments, one by Mitchell Woodcock and the other by Jenna Clarke, both under the heading ‘To boo or not to boo at the football, that is the question’ Woodcock’s piece is in defence of booing and Clarke’s in opposition. Both comments can be accessed at https://thewest.com.au/opinion/to-boo-or-not-to-boo-at-the-football-that-is-the- question-ng-b881163231z
On April 5, 2019, the AFL comment site The Mongrel Punt published a comment by former umpire Robert Abrahams titled ‘Blowing Time on Umpire Abuse’ The piece presents the abuse umpires receive as workplace harassment. The full text can be accessed at https://themongrelpunt.com/afl/2019/04/05/umpireabuse
On June 2. 2018, The Age published a report by Anthony Colangelo titled ‘AFL crowd violence keeping kids and families away, says fans' boss’ The report examines instances of recent violent behaviour among football crowds and considers the impact these have upon who attends the game. The full text can be found at https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-crowd-violence- keeping-kids-and-families-away-says-fans-boss-20180602-p4zj3s.html
On March 18, 2016, The Roar posted a comment by Kris Hateley titled ‘Goodes or bad, we should be better than booing; The opinion piece argues against booing for any reason, condemning it as an inappropriate response to the game. The full text can be accessed at https://www.theroar.com.au/2016/03/18/goodes-bad-better- booing/
On October 1, 2015, The Age published a comment by sports commentator Peter Hanlon titled ‘The booing culture that does the game no good’ The article describes the persistent atmosphere of aggression which Hanlon believes is a feature of AFL crowds. The full text can be found at https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/the-booing-culture-that- does-the-game-no-good-20151001-gjz4h6.html
In July 2015, Children’s Rights International published an opinion piece by the Honourable Alastair Nicholson, Chair of the National Centre against Bullying. The comment is titled ‘A response to the ongoing Adam Goodes booing controversy’. It carefully defines the booing directed at Goodes as bullying. The full text can be accessed at https://www.childjustice.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=150:adam- goodes-booing-controversy&catid=77&Itemid=500&lang=en
On June 29, 2015, AFL Players published a report titled ‘The players' views on booing Adam Goodes’ The report is a compendium of the views of numerous AFL players regarding the treatment Adam Goodes has received from AFL fans. One representative view from Essendon’s Brendon Goddard states, ‘It is an extreme case of bullying and I think we all should acknowledge that.’ The full text can be accessed at http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/the-players-views-on- booing-adam-goodes/
On June 6, 2015, The Advertiser published a comment by Dwayne Russell titled ‘You can boo Patrick Dangerfield if he returns to Adelaide Oval in a foreign jumper next year and you can boo Adam Goodes because you don’t like his personality — and not be a racist’ The opinion piece acknowledges the variety of reasons for which AFL fans bee and argues that it is their right to do so, The full text can be accessed at https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/afl-fans-can-boo- players-and-not-be-racist-writes-dwayne-russell/news- story/048c9843bdf8be001a1bdf6fae17c8ee
On September 7, 2014, The Roar published a comment and analysis by Will Lutwyche titled ‘Why are AFL umpires so disrespected by fans?’ The article presents the results of a survey showing the view umpires believe fans have of them. It also explores a range of reasons for umpires being held in popular disregard. The full text can be accessed at https://www.theroar.com.au/2014/09/08/afl-umpires- disrespected-fans/
The AFL’s guidelines for establishing Codes of Conduct for players and supporters, parents and officials can be accessed at http://www.aflcommunity.com.au/fileadmin/user_upload/Manage_Your_Club/1._Quality_Cl ub_Assessment/Swisse_Quality_Club_1.11_Sample_Code_of_Conduct.pdf
The terms and conditions of AFL membership can be accessed at https://membership.afl.com.au/terms-conditions
Arguments in favour of banning booing in the AFL 1. Booing has the capacity to become bullying or harassment Opponents of booing argue that the action frequently becomes bullying or harassment, behaviours which are condemned in other areas of life. They claim booing is frequently sustained and targeted abuse, directed at the umpire or individual players. Such conduct is said to fit classic definitions of harassment and bullying. Alistair Nicholson, chair of the National Centre Against Bullying, has stated, ‘Bullying can come in various forms and for different reasons. Classically it is defined as the singling out and denigration of an individual or group by a more powerful group on a repetitive basis.’ Nicholson went on to explain that booing from an AFL crowd can constitute bullying. Nicholson stated, ‘The treatment of Adam Goodes by large portions of football crowds in this fashion fits that definition perfectly. He is one individual subject to constant denigration whenever he plays by persons whose anonymity provided by the crowd enables them to get away with this cowardly behaviour.’ https://www.childjustice.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=150:adam- goodes-booing-controversy&catid=77&Itemid=500&lang=en Essendon midfielder, Brendon Goddard, has similarly condemned the nature of the persistent booing directed at Adam Goodes. Goddard has stated, ‘It is an extreme case of bullying and I think we all should acknowledge that…We need to respect Adam (Goodes) and how he’s feeling.’ http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/the-players-views-on-booing-adam-goodes/ Hawthorn president and former Victorian premier, Jeff Kennett, has stated, ‘I don’t mind when you boo one particular umpiring decision, but the concept of booing a player consistently throughout the game, in my opinion, is unsportsmanlike.’ https://www.sen.com.au/news/2019/04/29/constant-booing-throughout-a-game- unsportsmanlike-kennett/ Critics of booing as harassment or bullying tend to focus on booing that appears personal and prolonged. Such booing is not seen as provoked by a disputed decision from an umpire, a single piece of unsportsmanlike play or supporters’ disappointment at the loss of a game. Harassment or bullying is seen to occur when the booing is directed specifically and protractedly at individual players. In a comment posted in The Roar, on April 26, 2019, the booing directed at Collingwood Captain Scott Pendlebury as he accepted the best on the ground medal after the ANZAC Day game was condemned on this basis. The poster stated, ‘Continual booing or booing out of context such as during an award is really just another form of bullying.’ https://www.theroar.com.au/afl/video/the-post-game-booing-controversy- that-is-dividing-opinion-in-the-afl-751940/ AFL 360’s Mark Robinson similarly expressed his consternation in relation to this abusive crowd behaviour. Robinson stated, ‘The crowd was frenzied in the last five minutes, just frenzied. And then when Scott Pendlebury, who’s a true champion of the game …[came to receive his award] and the Essendon crowd…boo him so that no one could hear him. I just shook my head and thought, where are we going, what is happening?’ https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2019-afl-360-cohost-mark-robinson-says-anzac-day- postgame-booing-was-essendons-shame/news-story/6ae1a5b51f26edb07c0c5b1aa2cc63d2 Critics of booing have noted that booing is workplace harassment. AFL players are professionals; the football field is their workplace and the abuse they receive there can be harassment. The long-term booing received by Adam Goodes has been cited as a disturbing instance of both racism and workplace bullying and harassment. In July 2015, then senator Nova Peris stated, regarding the treatment Goodes received, ‘If anything, if it’s not racism — which it is, it’s workplace bullying and harassment, and no person should have to put up with that rubbish.’ https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/you-wouldnt-blame-adam-goodes-for- quitting-over-booing-says-aflpa-boss-paul-marsh/news- story/f9756d3901a3906f75023a40871c62b9 Commenting on the emotional and psychological damage that ongoing bullying and harassment can cause a football player, Western Bulldogs Captain, Bob Murphy, stated, regarding the abuse endured by Adam Goodes, ‘The weight and pain Adam has carried was seemingly too much. Every time I’ve heard the boos of this mob, I’ve hung my head in despair, chin to chest. I suspect it’s been the same for some players at every club in the AFL. There is no training or armour for those kinds of hits to the soul.’ http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/the-players- views-on-booing-adam-goodes/
2. Booing can have harmful effects on umpires A further problem raised by those who would like to see booing banned is the negative impact that booing has upon umpires. Poor crowd behaviour toward umpires has been suggested as one cause of recruiting issues for the AFL. In April 2019, the AFL's head of football, Steve Hocking, called for a change in the treatment of umpires, as the game is struggling to recruit umpires at the lower levels. Hocking stated, ‘We've got 34 umpires on the (AFL) list, they do an unbelievably good job ... if we need those 34 to be replaced, I think we need to change attitudes towards umpires.’ https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-calls-for-better-treatment-of-umpires-20190423- p51glj.html Popular hostility toward them is something umpires are unable to ignore. A survey conducted at the beginning of the 2014 AFL season found that umpires believed they were respected by just one in four fans. During May of that year, some fans booed AFL umpire Troy Pannell when he was stretchered from the ground with concussion after a collusion with Swans player Nick Malceski. https://www.theroar.com.au/2014/09/08/afl-umpires-disrespected-fans/ On the AFL comment site, The Mongrel Punt, former AFL umpire Robert Abrahams, commented in detail on the effect that fan abuse can have on umpires. Abraham stated, ‘As a former umpire, I am all too familiar with being lashed with hateful remarks from fans, coaches and players alike. Yet, it seems as if the AFL has conjured up the idea that umpires are immune to being threatened, sworn at and in some cases physically assaulted. While the ‘green team’ may have thicker skin than some, the abuse directed towards umpires doesn’t magically wash off and dwindle away once the final siren sounds… When an umpire is abused by a fan at the footy, our game doesn’t even raise an eyebrow at the issue. We let it happen again, and again.’ https://themongrelpunt.com/afl/2019/04/05/umpireabuse Abraham goes on to suggest that the abuse of umpires by fans is a form of workplace harassment. He states, ‘When the ball is bounced and proceedings commence, umpires have officially started work for their day or night. Yet, they will face tirades of vulgar language for the duration of a given game, the fans seizing any potential mistake as a chance to pile abuse on the umps. Can you imagine sitting at work every day and copping it from your colleagues or from someone watching you through the window? When the young apprentice gets the lunch order wrong, their co-workers don’t demean them to the point that they want to quit. By-standers watching the workers don’t start heckling them. When the administrative assistant mixes up the documents, they won’t be called a “blind maggot.” Can you also imagine having to work in front of thousands and thousands of people, getting a split second to decide between a ball up and holding the ball?’ https://themongrelpunt.com/afl/2019/04/05/umpireabuse Greg Baum, in an opinion piece published in The Age on April 26, 2019, stated, ‘We come down hard on players, but we demonise umpires. We’ve created a game that is just about impossible to officiate, requiring at every contest a subjective judgement, abiding by a rule that probably just changed. We expect a minimum of 100 percent accuracy, that is, all the free kicks our team earns, and the 50-50s, and if there must be errors, all of them in our favour. When this is not delivered, we howl… We know the toll it takes on players; we read about it every other week. We affect to care, but don’t. Concerning umpires, we don’t even pretend. We just boo.’ https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/footy-gets-the-boos-20190426-p51hlr.html
3. Booing sets a poor example for young players and spectators Critics of booing at AFL games and other sporting contests argue that one of the advantages of sport is the example it can set for children of fair play and responsible behaviour. Those who oppose booing argue that such behaviour provides inappropriate modelling which encourages boorishness and bullying both on and off the field. In a letter to the editor published in The Age on April 27, 2019, Cecily Falkingham of Donvale stated, ‘I will never forget the hurt on Pendlebury's face as this great player (who as always had given his all for his fans, coach and team) received his Anzac Day medal which should have been one of his proudest moments. There is no room in any sport for this reaction [of booing], what kind of message does it send to our up and coming young players of the future?’ https://www.theage.com.au/national/the-boos-fuss-essendon-fans-show-a- spirit-unworthy-of-the-occasion-20190426-h1du5k.html Sport New Zealand chief executive, Peter Miskimmin, has made a similar comment opposing booing in rugby. He has stated, ‘We are trying to teach good sideline behaviour from grassroots all the way through to high performance. We want to teach our kids to be great sportsmen and we want to teach them to be great spectators.’ https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/95208020/spectators-time-to-stop-booing-and-set-a-better- example-for-our-children On March 18, 2015, during the contention surrounding the ongoing booing of the Sydney Swan’s Indigenous dual Brownlow Medal winner, Adam Goodes, commentator for The Roar, Chris Hateley, stated, ‘When watching the football at home I’ve hurled all types of abuse at the television. When attending matches, I’ve abused umpires, opposition players and players on the team I support. I’ve decided to stop doing that. I should be better than that, and I want my two-year-old son to understand that booing isn’t acceptable. If I can’t get it right how can I expect my son to?’ https://www.theroar.com.au/2016/03/18/goodes-bad-better-booing/ Critics of booing argue that, rather than encouraging good behaviour among young athletes and fans, it does the reverse. It endorses a brutish, bullying mentality that is then promoted by the popularity of the sport. Alistair Nicholson, chair of the National Centre Against Bullying, has stated, ‘In the professional sporting arena, the cultural impact of bullying multiplies tenfold due to the number of people involved and sets an appalling example to young people and particularly young children exposed to it.’ https://www.childjustice.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=150:adam- goodes-booing-controversy&catid=77&Itemid=500&lang=en In an opinion piece published in The Age on October 1, 2015, Peter Hanlon commented on the adverse effect that the aggressive fan culture within the AFL was having on the behaviour and attitudes of young players and supporters. Hanlon stated, ‘The notion that parents would encourage their children to boo, hiss, jeer or simply make their displeasure baldly apparent every time something doesn't go their way is laughable. Yet kids are listening to what's happening on football's biggest stage and, as ever, aping what they see and hear.’ https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/the-booing-culture-that-does-the-game-no-good- 20151001-gjz4h6.html Describing the behaviour he had seen around goal at his young sons’ football games, Hanlon observed, ‘A scene of kids as young as nine being taunted and tested, verbally poked and prodded by the mob that surrounds them, then ridiculed with ironic cheers when they miss, does the game no favours. It's not exactly a great recruitment tool either.’ https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/the-booing-culture-that-does-the-game-no-good- 20151001-gjz4h6.html
4. Booing is contrary to the ALF’s codes of conduct The AFL has a code of conduct for coaches, for players and all involved with the code, including officials. These are used as the basis for a recommended set of conduct codes for use within local clubs. Many of the points made within the recommended players code of conduct for community clubs and the similar code of conduct recommended for parents, supporters and officials are at odds with the sort of behaviour represented by booing. The recommended players code of conduct includes the following provisions: ‘Never argue with an umpire or other official – without these people you can’t play football’; ‘Control your temper - verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players doesn’t help you enjoy or win any games’; ‘Treat all players as you would like to be treated – fairly’; ‘Don’t use ugly remarks based on race, religion, gender or ability – you’ll let down your coach, team-mates and family if you do – and many such comments are actually now illegal’. http://www.aflcommunity.com.au/fileadmin/user_upload/Manage_Your_Club/1._Quality_Cl ub_Assessment/Swisse_Quality_Club_1.11_Sample_Code_of_Conduct.pdf Critics of booing and the comments that generally accompany it argue that it is out of step with the behaviour that players are meant to demonstrate. The recommended conduct code for parents, supporters and officials states: ‘Never ridicule mistakes or losses – supporters are there to support not downgrade’; ‘Lead by example and respect all players, coaches, umpires and spectators – physical or verbal abuse will not be tolerated’. http://www.aflcommunity.com.au/fileadmin/user_upload/Manage_Your_Club/1._Quality_Cl ub_Assessment/Swisse_Quality_Club_1.11_Sample_Code_of_Conduct.pdf Again, critics of booing note that its abusive quality is not at all in accord with the conduct the suggested code of conduct for community clubs recommends for parents, supporters and officials. The terms and conditions of AFL membership further state ‘While barracking and supporting your club is a vital part of the game, offensive or aggressive behaviour (including yelling and swearing when dealing with AFL staff, agents or event staff) will not be tolerated. AFL Members who consume alcohol on a match day are to do so responsibly. Drunkenness will not be tolerated. AFL Members who breach the behaviour code of conduct may face penalties including cancellation of Membership without refund. The AFL has a strong stance on vilification and has a zero-tolerance for members or supporters who engage in conduct which may reasonably be considered to incite hatred towards, contempt for, ridicule of or discrimination against a person or group of persons (including the opposition, opposition supporters, or umpires) on the ground of their race, religion, gender, colour, sexual preference, orientation or identity, or special ability or disability.’ https://membership.afl.com.au/terms-conditions Again, critics of booing have noted that it often involves behaviour which is technically in violation of the terms and conditions of AFL membership.
5. Booing can lead to more extreme forms of crowd aggression Critics of booing argue that fan behaviour is in decline and that the aggression represented by booing is a significant factor in precipitating this trend. Melanie Whelan, in an opinion piece published in The Courier on April 26, 2019, has considered booing as a catalyst for other forms of crowd aggression. Whelan states, ‘For too long in the modern era, people have got away with being able to flex a pointless mob mentality because their actions are faceless and, in their minds, justified because they can. Booing should have no part in our sporting arenas.’ https://www.thecourier.com.au/story/6091126/strong-leadership-vital-to-stop-boo-behaviour- at-all-levels-of-game/ Whelan goes on to describe further the sort of behaviour precipitated by booing. She writes, ‘Our leagues, like the AFL, work to promote inclusive, family-friendly environments. Gone should be the days of villainous thuggery as headline acts to pull people through the gate or be targets for abuse. Yet when crowds swell, it seems that like naughty children, we feel we can be revolting without fear of consequences, including guilt you otherwise might feel for hurling such abuse face-to-face. Really, such an attitude hiding in the masses is cowardly.’ https://www.thecourier.com.au/story/6091126/strong-leadership-vital-to-stop-boo-behaviour- at-all-levels-of-game/ It is claimed that such ‘faceless’ aggression as booing is a factor that can lead to other forms of abuse. ABC Offsiders commentator Richard Hinds has described the fan aggression he witnessed at the Carlton versus Collingwood game he attended at the MCG on Saturday, May 11, 2019. Hinds has written, ‘The abuse will not reach the ears of the subjects who are engulfed by a wall of noise and engrossed in an intense physical contest. Instead it is heard only by opposition supporters who are forced to endure an afternoon having their stars players belittled in the most vile fashion. As the game remains predictably tight and tensions rise, supporters of both sides will be, to use the vogue social media term, triggered by the abuse and respond in kind.’ https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-13/the-art-of-barracking- seems-lost-in-dark-side-of-footy-fandom/11105500 Hinds continues, ‘By halfway through the third quarter of the Carlton-Collingwood game, the growing chorus of abuse and the increasingly heated responses are enough to suggest trouble is brewing. So much so that I retreat to the relative quiet of the MCC Members and watch the final stages of a gripping match without constant references to the imagined shortcomings of the brilliant combatants. When I am reunited with friends it comes as no surprise to hear some fights had erupted near where they were standing and that police had arrived; just as the media reports of other violent incidents at the end of a dramatic game seemed inevitable.’ https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-13/the-art-of-barracking-seems-lost-in-dark-side-of- footy-fandom/11105500 Hinds’ conclusion regarding the evolution of fan behaviour is ‘The drunk abusive louts don't know the limits of decent behaviour, the triggered opposition don't know how to respond, those who went to cheer and shout loudly for their team are lumped in with the morons, and the art of barracking seems lost.’ https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-13/the-art-of- barracking-seems-lost-in-dark-side-of-footy-fandom/11105500 Statistics reveal there were violent crowd incidents at matches in Victoria and interstate throughout 2018, with three high profile fights in the space of a week across round nine and ten sparking a Victoria Police, AFL and stadium crackdown on supporter behaviour. AFL Fan Association president, Gerry Eeman, has stated, ‘No one wants that at the footy. People go to the footy as an escape, to relax and forget about the working week or life troubles. The last thing they want is to be faced with aggression and potentially dangerous situations.’ https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-crowd-violence-keeping-kids-and- families-away-says-fans-boss-20180602-p4zj3s.html
Arguments against banning booing in the AFL 1. Booing helps to create tension and drama, heightening the experience for spectators Supporters of AFL fans booing argue that it is an important and long-standing element of the game and contributes to its entertainment value. This point has been made by Collingwood president, Eddie McGuire, who, while objecting to excessive booing targeting individuals, stated more generally, ‘Booing is part of [AFL], it’s a pantomime sometimes at the football.’ https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/i-m-not-going-to-tell-people-not-to-boo-mclachlan- 20190426-p51hgm.html On April 27, 2019, The Age published a comment by Sam Duncan, a lecturer in sports media and marketing which similarly pointed out the important role played by booing in AFL football. Duncan stated, ‘The fact of the matter is booing is part of the emotion of the game – it’s more often than not the result of angry crowds protesting trivial matters such as a free kick, a fifty-metre penalty, a player who left their club to play for another or simply the fact a team lost. And, getting precious about it just might do more harm than good. If you continue to strip away the unique emotion of the game you will be left with nothing but a sterile, contrived, cautious, fake product.’ https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/booing-isn-t-pleasant-but-we- should-accept-it-as-part-of-the-game-20190426-p51hjs.html Duncan concluded, ‘Sport is not universally positive, and nor should it be. Just like any form of entertainment there’s a mix of emotions bubbling away. It’s raw and often unfiltered. Some of it’s positive and some of it’s not. But if you want something that’s absolutely cheerful, respectful, polite, wholesome and happy go and do something else, because that’s not what sport is.’ https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/booing-isn-t-pleasant-but-we-should-accept-it-as-part- of-the-game-20190426-p51hjs.html A similar point was made by Rowan Sparkes in an opinion piece published in the Cairns Post on May 1, 2019. Sparkes noted, ‘If people aren’t affected by the emotion of the game, then there is no game, as far as spectators go. The passion and emotion is all part of the stage show aspect of sport that supporters go along to see… Sometimes fans’ emotions will go too far but if the worst of it is a bit of tribal booing, we can deal with it.’ https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/opinion/boos-at-anzac-day-match-stir- emotion-but-no-sinister-issues-behind-them/news- story/d0cceaf4eb61950ca6384970113be808 HB Meyers, founder and director of the AFL opinion site ‘The Mongrel Punt’ has argued comparably, ‘Our sport is built on passion. From the early suburban rivalries in Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide to the all-encompassing wars waged between country towns as they battle for supremacy. We all invest of ourselves in this game, and our passion is at its highest when it comes to following our chosen professional team. It is passion that drives this game. Whether it is love, hate or anguish, the feelings derived from football are always extreme.’ https://themongrelpunt.com/afl/2019/04/26/booing Meyers argues that the passion associated with booing is a vital factor contributing to the continuation of the code, ensuring its survival in the face of competition from many other sports. With competition for the minds and hearts of the football public coming thick and fast from international sports, as well as home-grown products, passion is the one thing that will keep fans invested in the AFL product, and the booing of …fans…, whilst saying a lot, says one thing louder and clearer than most – they are invested in their team!’ https://themongrelpunt.com/afl/2019/04/26/booing
2. Fans pay for the right to express their feelings Supporters of AFL fans being able to continue to boo as part of the match experience, argue that they have paid for the right for this to be part of their entertainment. Those who defend fans’ right to boo claim that a vocal release of frustrations is one of the prime attractions of attending AFL games and that this is a significant part of the reason for which supporters buy their tickets. Campbell Brown, a footballer who played for Hawthorn and the Gold Coast over an eleven- year career, has noted, ‘People live for football, it is their outlet, their release from the struggles and pressures of life and work. The football is the place they can go and yell and scream and boo and enjoy themselves.’ https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/anzac-day-outrage-afl- facing-major-backlash-if-they-try-and-ban-fans-for-booing-players-c-79294 The same point has been made by Dwayne Russell, in an opinion piece published in The Advertiser on June 6, 2015. Russell stated, ‘Football is a lifeblood passion. It’s a weekend retreat and a frustration outlet. Fans leave their problems at the gate and barrack. And most believe their ticket price is payment for the right to cheer heroes and boo villains at a time when the appropriate banning of homophobic, religious and race-based abuse and the expectation that coarse language be used in respectful family friendly manner; has muffled much of their old freedom.’ https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/afl-fans-can-boo- players-and-not-be-racist-writes-dwayne-russell/news- story/048c9843bdf8be001a1bdf6fae17c8ee A similar point was made by Rowan Sparkes in an opinion piece published in the Cairns Post on May 1, 2019. Sparkes noted, ‘You have a right to boo. The very essence of professional sport — the theatre, the drama and the spectacle that all hardworking fans pay their hard- earned money to see — would be nothing without it… It’s all part of the tribal experience of being a supporter, which is as much a part of the game as keeping score.’ https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/opinion/boos-at-anzac-day-match-stir-emotion-but-no- sinister-issues-behind-them/news-story/d0cceaf4eb61950ca6384970113be808 This point had previously been endorsed by Mitchell Woodcock in a comment published in The West Australia on April 10, 2019. Woodcock stated, ‘You paid your money — you have the right to be vocal. To tell sporting fans not to boo is like telling a crowd at a rock and roll concert not to head bang. It is plain stupid and takes away from the fun of going to the event. Ask any football fan and they’ll tell you that they go to the games for the atmosphere. To hear the scream of “ball” when a player is tackled and to celebrate with like-minded fans when a goal is kicked.’ https://thewest.com.au/opinion/to-boo-or-not-to-boo-at-the-football- that-is-the-question-ng-b881163231z It is not only some commentators who argue that supporters have the right to barrack in whatever manner they choose. Port Adelaide ruckman, Scott Lycet, who formerly played for the West Coast Eagles has acknowledged that when he plays against his prior team he anticipates that there will be many West Coast supporters who will boo him. Lycet stated, ‘I'm not sure whether they (the supporters) will boo or cheer, but everyone who pays for a ticket has a right to cheer or boo or do whatever they want to do, so I guess I'll just cop whatever comes. If they do want to boo, there's no hard feelings.’ https://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2019-04-17/oppo-watch-lycett-ready-to-face- eagles-army
3. Most booing is brief, benign and has negligible effect on players Supporters of booing within the AFL argue that the behaviour is generally a benign expression of short-term irritation and harms neither the game nor the players. Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has stated, ‘I like people to support, but I don't mind the byplay as well. If somebody belts one of your players, you're going to boo him, it's part of the pantomime. When one of your champions has gone to another club, they get booed. At quarter-time or three-quarter time, if you reckon you're getting a bad run from the umpires, people boo ... that's part of the colour. This is going to the football - let's not be silly about it.’ https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6092231/booing-in-afl-ok-within-limits-mcguire/ Some social commentators have even suggested that there are important elements of camaraderie and egalitarianism in booing. Sociologist John Carroll has stressed the inclusivity symbolized by booing. He has claimed that its message is, ‘Look, if you think you’re different or superior or better, you’re not ... it’s we, the people who are custodians of this ground and we’re all here today, you the members and we, us, joined in our common higher enjoyment of sport, of being Australian, of the event.’ https://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/news/speeches/australian-sport-and-racial- vilification#fn1 Steve Hocking, the head of AFL football operations has stated of fan behaviour, ‘I reckon they get it right, most times.’ https://au.sports.yahoo.com/afl-praises-ablett-booing-reaction- 062345206--spt.html In an opinion piece published in The Age on April 23, 2019, Greg Baum gave an overview of fans’ motivations for booing which suggests that most booing is short-lived. Baum writes, ‘Some [players] are booed because of earlier villainy, real or perceived, on the day or previously. This booing is primal, but ephemeral. It rarely lasts. Once vented, it is spent. Andrew Gaff this season is the latest example.’ https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/booing- ablett-makes-no-sense-20190423-p51gln.html Supporters of fans’ right to boo further argue that the practice has no significant effect on most players. Peter Dangerfield, vice-captain of Geelong and president of the AFL Players' Association, has claimed that booing does not generally work as a tactic of player intimidation. Referring to Geelong player, Gary Ablett, who was a recent target of booing from fans of the opposing team, Dangerfield stated, ‘You can boo him as much as you like when he's kicking goals with the outside of his foot from 50 or taking screamers in the pocket and snapping goals. Boo for your life. I don't think it bothers him too much.’ https://www.sbs.com.au/news/booing-afl-stars-doesn-t-work-dangerfield Dangerfield went on to state, ‘It's hilarious, really. What we've found with (West Coast midfielder) Andrew Gaff a few weeks ago is that booing does not work. Players don't care, they embrace it and the real good ones just feed off it like Gaz [Gary Ablett] did today.’ https://www.sbs.com.au/news/booing-afl-stars-doesn-t-work-dangerfield Geelong’s coach, Chris Scott, has similarly remarked, ‘Good players get booed, it seems to be a trend. I don't think anyone really likes it do they, but does anyone really care that much?’ https://www.geelongcats.com.au/news/2019-04-22/boo-gary-at-your-own-peril
4. Booing is a common feature of other sporting codes and is endorsed by many cultures Defenders of booing within the AFL note that the practice occurs in many other sporting codes around the world and is accepted within their sporting cultures. In an analysis and opinion piece published in The Roar on March 24, 2016, Andrew Smyth- Kirk noted the extent of spectator booing in other countries. Smyth-Kirk focused on how widely employed and accepted booing is within the United States. Referring to the American National Basketball Association (NBA), Smyth-Kirk states, ‘American sport is all about audience participation. Apart from the half time cheerleader- operated, shirt-firing, cannon, the thing that struck me most was the institutionalised booing of opposition plays or specific players… In the NBA game I attended, and in other American sporting contests I’ve watched, booing an opponent was as normal and common as the chant of ‘defence’ every time the other team had the ball… In America booing is…ingrained as an acceptable behaviour of sporting event attendance and team support.’ https://www.theroar.com.au/2016/03/25/when-is-booing-acceptable/ Smyth-Kirk further observed that booing was a feature of other sporting codes in different countries. Smyth-Kirk noted, ‘I hear booing of penalty goal attempts in South Africa during rugby. This seems to be absolutely acceptable over there. I know it happens in Australia and New Zealand also but is more sporadic or specific to certain match rivalries.’ https://www.theroar.com.au/2016/03/25/when-is-booing-acceptable/ Recent crowd behaviour, including booing, has been condemned by the International Olympics Committee. Defenders of the practice have argued that such criticism is insensitive to national variations in customs and attitudes. Peter Kaufman, an associate professor of sociology at the State University of New York, who has studied crowd reactions to athletes, believes the International Olympic Committee president, Thomas Bach’s, condemnation of the behaviour of Brazilian fans at the 2016 Olympics is unjustified. Professor Kaufman has stated, ‘There has been a backlash against the home fans, and I find it interesting that people are not looking at the fact that crowd behaviour is a matter of cultural values. Why is the way Brazilians cheer or jeer “wrong”? What we know as reality is shaped by the environment that we grew up in. Each culture has its own beliefs and values and in some of them you will even find that applauding effusively is considered rude.’ https://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/37133234 Professor Kaufman is critical of sports administrators attempting to impose standards on fans that do not reflect the fans’ cultural values. The professor has suggested it was shortsighted of the IOC not to recognise that a Brazilian crowd would barrack vigorously for Brazilian competitors. Professor Kaufman has stated, ‘The IOC shouldn't be so surprised by the passion shown by Brazilian fans. Booing is only as “wrong” as cheering. Both are expressions of values and beliefs.’ Professor Kaufman commends FIFA for managing international soccer in a way that does not seek to eradicate different cultures support for their teams. He has stated, "If FIFA had banned the vuvuzelas in the 2010 football World Cup in South Africa, no matter how deafening they sounded even on TV, they would have amputated a cultural component of that society.’ https://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/37133234 Translated into an Australian context, this argument suggests that AFL administrators should accept the values of Australian rules football fans for whom booing is a legitimate activity.
5. Any anti-booing rule could not be enforced Opponents of attempts to prevent fans booing at AFL games argue that any such prohibitions would be impossible to enforce. One of the problems anticipated is that of definition. Supporters of booing argue that unless clubs and game administrators are seeking to have the competition played in front of largely silent crowds, it will be necessary to determine which forms of barracking will be accepted and which will not. HB Meyers, founder and director of the AFL opinion site ‘The Mongrel Punt’ has argued, ‘You cannot simply pick and choose when and where AFL fans can and can’t boo. It is not black and white (pardon the pun) as to whether or not a player should be booed for whatever actions he may have, or…may not have committed. If you’re wanting to place restrictions on what can and can’t be booed, and what is acceptable and what is not, who makes these decisions? Who polices it, and what is the ultimate goal?’ https://themongrelpunt.com/afl/2019/04/26/booing The question of how a ban would be imposed and enforced on any behaviour that was deemed unacceptable is also very difficult to address. On April 26, 2019, the ABC’s Offsiders commentator, Richard Hinds, laughingly hypothesised, ‘How the AFL would enforce this Boo Ban seems problematic, although you imagine Hocking [the AFL's football operations manager] has already sent an exploratory task force to a Punch and Judy show to test the feasibility of apprehending five-year-olds who get a bit too rowdy when Punch acts up.’ Opponents of booing bans argue that they are simply unenforceable. There is no way of determining who had made the types of sound that AFL administrators may decide are unacceptable. Particularly in situations where large numbers of supporters are hooting and calling out, taking disciplinary or punitive action would be impossible. Campbell Brown, a footballer who played for Hawthorn and the Gold Coast over an eleven- year career, has argued the futility of attempting to ban booing. Referring to the most recent suggestions, Brown has stated, ‘To say they “will act if the booing of Gary Ablett continues” is laughable. How exactly are they going to do that? By throwing out 30,000 fans? That’s a good way to destroy your fan base and product very quickly.’ https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/anzac-day-outrage-afl-facing-major-backlash-if-they-try-and- ban-fans-for-booing-players-c-79294 Brown concluded that not only would a ban be unenforceable, he suggested it would be likely to make the prohibited behaviour worse. Brown suggested, ‘The last thing [fans] want is to be told when and what they can do at the game they love. In fact, what you will find is the opposite occurs, they will boo louder and more frequently to make a point of it.’ https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/anzac-day-outrage-afl-facing-major-backlash-if-they-try-and- ban-fans-for-booing-players-c-79294 The counterproductive nature of attempting to ban booing has also been noted by Dwayne Russell, in an opinion piece published in The Advertiser on April 28, 2019. Russell noted, ‘Kicking a footy fan out of a game for booing would crack the foundations of the game… The AFL has to stay out of it now. No more fuel. Boos are here to stay, and they’ll only get louder if the fans know the AFL doesn’t like it.’ https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/expert-opinion/boos-here-to-stay-and-will-get- louder-if-the-afl-continues-to-tell-fans-not-to/news- story/d79e6ed65dcca5491df8838bcbfe09b7 Patrick Smith, a sports columnist for The Australian, while condemning the often-destructive quality of booing, acknowledges that no amount of prohibition will improve the situation. In an opinion piece published in The Australian on April 27, 2019, Smith stated, ‘The AFL’s problem is simple to identify but unfixable. The game’s fans know they have the power of mass distraction and ultimately the weapon of mass destruction which was nearly the case with Goodes. And the AFL and other sports are powerless to stop it. You cannot discover hatred and stupidity at the entry gates no matter how thorough are the bag searches.’ https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/afl-crowds-weaponise-the- boo/news-story/17eb77d8cbf1a0bf3cfe2d5892ffdf04
Further implications There appears to be a contradiction between the AFL administration’s desire for family- friendly, inclusive games and the potential aggression and discrimination involved in booing and other barracking behaviour from fans. Steve Hocking, the AFL’s General Manager of Football Operations, has stressed that the code sees itself as a leader and role model for positive social change, including inclusivity and a rejection of aggression. He has stated, ‘One of the great things about our game is we can definitely push social change and we’ve been a leader in that space… [Crowd behaviour] is just another area [where] we’ve got to make sure we’re considerate.’ https://www.sen.com.au/news/2019/05/22/how-the-afl-is-tackling-anti-social-crowd- behaviour/ As part of making sure ‘we’re considerate’, the AFL is moving against fans who articulate verbal abuse. Complaints regarding verbal abuse from fans are frequently initiated by members of the public and usually then directed to the club for action. On June 1, 2019, for example, it was reported that the Richmond cheer squad had imposed a three-game penalty against a member of the squad who had called an umpire a ‘green maggot’. The AFL’s chief executive office, Gillon McLachlan, endorsed the club’s action. Richmond’s memo, explaining its penalty, stated, ‘The football field is the umpire’s place of work and it is seen that any abuse directed towards them or any on-field official is deemed as workplace bullying and will not be tolerated.’ https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/footys-fun-police-ban- richmond-fan-for-green-maggot-comment/news-story/c032caf5c3762c39ad43737c90b70451 This action against the cheer squad member has not gone uncontested. AFL Fans’ Association vice-president and Richmond cheer squad member, Cheryl Critchley, has stated, ‘Some cheer squad members are now concerned they are being punished for being passionate.’ Ms Critchley said the AFL Fans’ Association rejected violent, racist, sexist, homophobic and similar acts, but that fans deserved ‘to wear their hearts on their sleeves’. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/footys-fun-police-ban-richmond-fan-for-green-maggot- comment/news-story/c032caf5c3762c39ad43737c90b70451 The problem appears to be one of definition – what for some is merely passion for the game is to others workplace bullying. It is going to be extremely difficult for the AFL to conciliate these contending views. Steven Hocking has encouraged fans to support vocally their respective clubs but warned them to do so in a respectful manner. He has stated, ‘Go your hardest, support your team and get emotional about it, we all feel that way about football; it’s one of the great things about our game. I think we should embrace that. But I think each and every one of us understands there’s a point where it’s a step too far. If we can just pull ourselves back from that, but otherwise enjoy your time at the footy and make sure that everybody feels included and safe.’ https://www.sen.com.au/news/2019/05/22/how-the-afl-is-tackling-anti-social-crowd- behaviour/ Hocking’s assertion that ‘each and every one of us understands’ seems unduly optimistic. It would appear that ‘each and every one of us’ does not share the same view of what it is acceptable to say at a football game. As an instance of this lack of shared understanding, Carlton was sent a ‘please explain’ memo from the AFL after members of its cheer squad chanted ‘umpire, you’re a w**ker’ during its round eight loss to Collingwood. Cheryl Critchley has since speculated, ‘What happens when Richmond cheer squad starts its ‘Bulls-- -’ chant after a controversial free kick? Will the whole group be kicked out?’ https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/footys-fun-police-ban-richmond-fan-for-green-maggot- comment/news-story/c032caf5c3762c39ad43737c90b70451 Booing has escaped the penalties imposed on fans for articulated verbal abuse. The primary reasons for this are that it is harder to attach a clear discriminatory intent to a ‘boo’ and it is also far harder to identify the perpetrator. Booing is generally part of a mass action. It remains to be seen whether fans will continue to be able to boo with impunity as the AFL pursues its inclusivity agenda and as both players and umpires become more aware of their workplace rights. If the latter group begins to assert these rights, it will require an extraordinary public education campaign on the part of the AFL to shift fan attitudes toward booing the umpire. That said, the AFL appears to be aware that it cannot afford to allow the mass booing campaign that was directed at Adam Goodes to occur again. The speed with which the recent booing of Pendlebury and Ablett was condemned is evidence of the AFL’s growing sensitivity to the issue. The booing of Adam Goodes and the racist motivations widely attached to it seriously damaged the reputation of the code within Australia and overseas. It is, for example, the first instance of booing in sport given in the Wikipedia entry on ‘Booing’. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booing#Sports Avoiding reputational damage together with ensuring its recruitment of umpires may force the AFL to undertake a campaign to moderate booing.