Fans leaving the sport - The State of the Game?

[Big Dai]

I think Ugo Monye had a good point on the BBC Rugby Pod that referees are being hung out to dry for correctly enforcing laws while the lawmakers who created these laws stay silent. His argument was the hierarchy need to take responsibility while supporting their refs. He suggested something along the lines of (not an exact quote) that …..we fully support ref x in his decision at x minute at x game. He correctly employed the laws and we support him fully. We note however that the outcome of this incident raises wider issues so will be engaging with all stakeholders to see if a further law change or clarification is required….

I tend to agree with him.

+1

[CrumblingTerrace]

Generally, I suspect (and judging by the returnees here, or, should I say non-leavers) the cold light of the following day leaves the rugby addict wanting more.

I suspect this is the truth in it. Sky Sports has doubled down on the drama and controversy of refereeing decisions in the Premier League for years. It plays into the 'clash of the titans' narrative they attach to most games.

[mol2]

How many sell outs have we had this season.

The unsold hospitality seats are telling too.

The balancing of the sanctions for technical transgressions, accidental "foul play" are getting the same sanctions as deliberate foul plat are not good for the game is not good for the game as a spectacle.

The loss of the games against Wasps and Worcester hasn't helped the season as a whole. Local games where large numbers of away fans would have attended.

[ourla]

The game has changed and with it the audience.

Nobody else seems to be supporting that view. Quite the contrary. Any evidence?

Much has been spoken about "allowing a flowing game" and I believe laws are being ignored to create a better spectacle for the audience.

Are you saying they have failed to create a better spectacle, that their idea of a better spectacle is wrong or that they shouldn't try to create a better spectacle? Genuine question. I think it makes sense to try (why wouldn't you) but a balance between attack/defence is important. And certainly I think the Prem has been a great spectacle the last 3+ years (helps that we are winning of course).

I've "gone on" about offside and forward passes being ignored as well as the perennial whinge about squint put ins and throws.

Pretty difficult to for refs to be spot on with these though isn't as there is no forensic/scientific way of seeing. And I think tackling and the breakdown has become more of a thing.

The game is not what it was. Values are different. (Have slipped) but I still watch......begrudgingly!

That was kind of the point of my OP. For all the moans I don't believe many fans are leaving the sport.

[Hot_Charlie]

I think Ugo Monye had a good point on the BBC Rugby Pod that referees are being hung out to dry for correctly enforcing laws while the lawmakers who created these laws stay silent. His argument was the hierarchy need to take responsibility while supporting their refs. He suggested something along the lines of (not an exact quote) that …..we fully support ref x in his decision at x minute at x game. He correctly employed the laws and we support him fully. We note however that the outcome of this incident raises wider issues so will be engaging with all stakeholders to see if a further law change or clarification is required….

I tend to agree with him.

+1

Woodburn's disciplinary report is out. The referee's report cited that Woodburn was both off his feet and in at the side, two of those laws that "never get policed".

I think some pundits have made themselves look very silly.

[Big Dai]

The game has changed and with it the audience.

Nobody else seems to be supporting that view. Quite the contrary. Any evidence?

You don't watch enough videos of old games. Evidence a plenty. Audiences at the game instead of dissecting move by move on the telly......evidence? Am I in court

Much has been spoken about "allowing a flowing game" and I believe laws are being ignored to create a better spectacle for the audience.

Are you saying they have failed to create a better spectacle, that their idea of a better spectacle is wrong or that they shouldn't try to create a better spectacle? Genuine question. I think it makes sense to try (why wouldn't you) but a balance between attack/defence is important. And certainly I think the Prem has been a great spectacle the last 3+ years (helps that we are winning of course).

For me they have emphasised some laws whilst ignoring others. A back to basics and an end to tampering would suit me. If a pass is forward it's forward.

I've "gone on" about offside and forward passes being ignored as well as the perennial whinge about squint put ins and throws.

Pretty difficult to for refs to be spot on with these though isn't as there is no forensic/scientific way of seeing. And I think tackling and the breakdown has become more of a thing.

Difficult to spot an early attempt to charge down? Get real. This "get back" nonsense should be replaced by "penalty."

Difficult to spot a squint put in? A scrum should be a competition for the ball....not the means to win a penalty.

The game is not what it was. Values are different. (Have slipped) but I still watch......begrudgingly!

That was kind of the point of my OP. For all the moans I don't believe many fans are leaving the sport.

They probably aren't. But things HAVE changed and the thought has crossed my mind.

Harrumph!!

[ourla]

Harrumph!!

Love you man

[mightymouse]

I know there are all sorts of threads that encompass some of this including the demise of the 2 clubs (Wasps and Worcester) and fan numbers etc but this is more about the total game and how do people se the future of :

1) Grass Roots
2) Championship
3) Premiership
4 International game
5) TV money
6) Fan base
7) Women’s game
8) Youth game
9) ring fencing and relegation
10) player safely

I see that all of the above are interlinked and each area cannot be isolated and operated in a silo. Only the RFU and ultimately the IRB can work out the future plan, but are they capable?

I’ll kick off with this article .. mainly about the Championship that I found interesting

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/ ... -promotion

[Rugbygramps]

I think Ugo Monye had a good point on the BBC Rugby Pod that referees are being hung out to dry for correctly enforcing laws while the lawmakers who created these laws stay silent. His argument was the hierarchy need to take responsibility while supporting their refs. He suggested something along the lines of (not an exact quote) that …..we fully support ref x in his decision at x minute at x game. He correctly employed the laws and we support him fully. We note however that the outcome of this incident raises wider issues so will be engaging with all stakeholders to see if a further law change or clarification is required….

I tend to agree with him.

+1

Woodburn's disciplinary report is out. The referee's report cited that Woodburn was both off his feet and in at the side, two of those laws that never get policed.

I think some pundits have made themselves look very silly.

True on both counts.

[Hot_Charlie]

+1

Woodburn's disciplinary report is out. The referee's report cited that Woodburn was both off his feet and in at the side, two of those laws that never get policed.

I think some pundits have made themselves look very silly.

True on both counts.

Apologies, I should have included " " in my original post about laws that "never get policed". Obviously these two are regularly penalised.

[tigerburnie]

Some people are missing one glaring problem attached to going to a sports match, or anything "non essential" just now, people are struggling to pay bills. There will be a lot of folk unable to afford to go out just now, whether they'd like to or not.

[jgriffin]

Some people are missing one glaring problem attached to going to a sports match, or anything "non essential" just now, people are struggling to pay bills. There will be a lot of folk unable to afford to go out just now, whether they'd like to or not.

The reason me and Mrs G are stuck, paying off house repairs quickly as well as not having a dog sitter. cost of a visit to Tigers for us, including petrol, parking, ticket, anything between £60-100. Just haven't got it, although we plan to catch the odd game after Oct this year. TBH it's easier to walk the dogs round to the Sportsway and watch the rather good Burntwood 1st XV for free.

[Doghashadhisday]

How many sell outs have we had this season.

The unsold hospitality seats are telling too.

The balancing of the sanctions for technical transgressions, accidental "foul play" are getting the same sanctions as deliberate foul plat are not good for the game is not good for the game as a spectacle.

The loss of the games against Wasps and Worcester hasn't helped the season as a whole. Local games where large numbers of away fans would have attended.

We hardly ever sell out, however we have consistently had crowds of over 20k which is better than any other club. Hospitality is often sold out. It only looks bad because all the seats are together and for various reasons people dont turn up. If you were to put all the season ticket holders together you would find huge gaps at any given game so I dont think you can draw any conclusion from apparent empty seats.