Local sports news for Bundaberg

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There has been a problem with the link, as a number of people have advised
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bobbrisbane@justsports.com.au

Just wanting to know if the Bingera Club has punished the player for abusing the female referee?

Frank Cook
04/09/08

Just wanted to say how disappointed I am at how Bingera have handled themselves over the whole fine, suspension and loss of points saga. Ever since they were told that they had lost points form their 3 senior teams, it has been their sole purpose to find someone else they can get fined or deducted of points. I have even heard that they are trying to get one club fined for using too many Ladies from 2nd division in 1st Division! Ridiculous if you ask me. Just wish they could actually take it on the chin and move on. Yes, understandably, they lost the minor premiership in Ladies, but it is their own clubs doing and no one else's. Bout time they moved on.

thanks, Rob
03/09/08

You say on your site that 290 different players have scored goals in senior men's football this year. Are you absolutely positive? I count 22 teams which means each team averages 13 different scorers. That is almost every player in every team scored a goal.

Comment - Unreal isn't it. There were 73 in div 1, 90 in div 2 and 127 in div 3. Waves alone had 21 different goal scorers in division 3.

Hey Bob just want to mention a few things about recent events

1 re disgusted firstly if it was a goal kick taken outside the box it is not a free kick it is re taken so he/she is wrong
2 re the swearing if he new any of the rules he would know that almost every rule starts with `` if in the opinion of the referee ``

Ok now that is done does any body else feel the standard of our youth teams have improved recently i was watching a junior game the other night and the teams were keeping the ball for long periods of time witch is great so the Bundaberg Toyota Spirit side is in good hands and feet for the future

thanks Bob
Hub
27/08/08

Disgusted, I think the problems with refereeing and referees that you point out come from two things. Referees aren't perfect and most of us are still learning. We all have to live with that. The other thing that I get from your complaints is that although you know something about the rules of Football, you don't know enough. In your last email, you referred to a goal kick and stated that as the Goalie took the kick outside the box, a free kick should have been given. That is wrong but I think the problem might be from the words you used. A goal kick is taken off the ground from inside or on the line of the six yard box, when the opposition puts the ball out over the goal line. If the goalie takes this kick outside the six yard box the goalie is asked to take the kick again. There is no penalty or free kick.

I think you might have been talking about a "kick return, by the goalie, from the hands after the goalie has caught a ball inside the 18 yard penalty area. If the goalie has the ball in hand and all of the ball is over the line of outside the 18 yard box, then if the assistant referee or the centre referee sees this, a direct free kick should be given, on the line, for a deliberate hand ball. It all depends on where the ball is. The goalies foot isn't important. There are a lot of things that can happen that make it not liable for a free kick and sometimes it can be hard to judge. If the goalie releases the ball inside the box and the ball travels forward and the goalie steps out of the box as he or she kicks the ball, there is no free kick.

This rule has been discussed and explained at Referees' Training in the past and i know it is far from simple. Remember all of the ball would have to be outside the Penalty Area ( 18 yard box) in the goalie's hand to get a free kick. The goalie's foot is not the thing a referee looks for. It is the fine points of many rules that confuse and get spectators upset but the only solution is to get a rule book and learn the rules or get a rule book and become a referee.

Some of your other "complaints" are hard to answer without being there to see them for myself. The situation with abuse and swearing is tough. Any abuse or swearing on the field directed at another player or official or any swearing loud enough to be heard by the spectators should be punished but it is not always easy to know who did it. Abuse of referees from the spectators or threats or violence is punished by Football Bundaberg and the club fined if the person responsible can be identified. It needs other people in the crowd to tell these abusers to stop

Thanks
Dominick Woodland
26/08/08

I knew my letter would open up a can of worms, and it seems that is certainly what has happened. Callum and Dominick, congratulations on putting your name to a letter that was informative, but it still did not address the overall problems with Refereeing at Martens Oval. Call me gutless for not putting my name to the letter, but the aftermath of stating that which is not only what I think, but most of the other people who watch the games think, leaves me open for abuse.

Oh, and sorry I made a mistake, the young Trainee Ref did not miss an offside, but a goal kick taken outside of the 18 yard box, and that was definitely seen, as I was standing in line with the Goalie from the other team. I may not know all the "rules" in depth, but a foot outside the box before kicking is definitely a free kick.

For the record, I am well aware of the difficulties young (and old Referees) face every week, having seen a young 14yr old, who had just become fully trained, quit after being abused by not one, but two coaches of teams within his own Club for decisions made during a finals game. Decisions that were confirmed as correct by the Senior Referee assessing him during the game.

Unfortunately though there is only one issue I must take you to task on, I shall quote the letter you wrote which stated: "As for the swearing rule it is the referees call. If someone does use foul/abuse language it may not be able to be heard by the referee even though a coach or manager can hear it. Referees cannot be doing everything at once. They may not hear this language as they are often paying a lot of attention to play of the ball and not what is happening off the ball." I can't help myself but comment about that section because sorry, it's a joke. The particular swearing incident referred to WAS audible to EVERYONE, including the Referee, Spectators, Players and Coaching Staff..... come on, I'll take everything else on board, but NOT that one....

Thank you to those Referees who take their "Jobs" seriously. I stated clearly in the first line of my previous letter that the criticism was not directed at all refs. This will be my last comments on the issue, because debating on here will do no good. The changes need to come from the Powers above, and this is certainly not going to happen this year. I guess we can only hope things improve next year.

Disgusted
25/08/08

This is a response to all of the submissions that have been having a go at Football Bundaberg referees. I have been an official referee in Bundaberg for up to 4 years now. I have seen referees come and leave. The main reason for most of them leaving is because of spectators, coaches and players questioning nearly every call that does not go towards their own team. Most of the time the referee has made correct call and remembering everyone makes mistakes. A lot of the more technical rules have many different parts to it. For instance the offside rule is a lot more complicated than all the coaches on the bench think. Also it is almost impossible for a coach, spectator and even player to appeal for an offside unless they are perfectly in line with the second last defender. Also the attacker is NOT offside until they have interfered with the play or touched the ball. I suggest that all coaches, managers, players and even parents read the rules.

Another reason for the lack of referees is because no one wants to sign up because of the fear of being harassed and abused by players and coaches. The referees that do sign up are often juniors and can’t automatically go straight to senior games, because of this some junior more experienced referees are appointed to those senior games. In my opinion having a junior referee is better than having no one at all. The referees on the senior games have been assessed and considered capable to run either the centre or one of the sidelines of the game.

Because of the lack of referee and also because many referees also play for their own club during the day there is often games that do not have one or two Assistant referees. The referee appointed to that game is required to have two assistant referees even if one is a member of the public. If the referee is missing an assistant on a game they will ask a supporter or manager from one of the playing teams for one of the half’s then they will ask for someone else to do the second half unless the first person is happy to continue assisting them. Because these "clubbies" are not official referees they often do not know all the rules or they do not know a rule properly and occasionally if in the referees opinion the assistant has made and incorrect call the referee will make his/her own decision on the incident. The club is REQUIRED to supply an assistant if one is needed and referees are not meant to begin a game without two assistant referees, so technically the game can be called off.

As for the swearing rule it is the referees call. If someone does use foul/abuse language it may not be able to be heard by the referee even though a coach or manager can hear it. Referees cannot be doing everything at once. They may not hear this language as they are often paying a lot of attention to play of the ball and not what is happening off the ball.

As for referees saying they just didn’t penalize a player because he didn’t want to do the paper work is the wrong attitude. But again the referees out there on a Saturday are often required to do up to 4 games a day, sometimes without a break between and do not have time to even fill in their books from a previous game.

In senior and high junior games if a club is asked to supply a linesman the referee of the game would prefer to have one of his own official referee on the bench side to control the technical area and teams. That may also depend on the team playing or the club. And when a referee asks the coach or manager to supply an assistant it does NOT mean that that specific person has to run the line, they are just asking for them to find someone so they can get onto starting the game.

Finally we would just like to say to all those people who abuse and argue with the referees on a game that they are trying to do their best and if you think that is not good enough I strongly suggest YOU take the referees course and help us all out. Thank you.

Callum Tranent & Dominick Woodland.
23/08/08

Before I say what I want to say, I acknowledge that there a few referees that do a great job, unfortunately at the moment it appears they are few and far between. As a Spectator, Player and Coach I have witnessed the following in the past month:

1. The trainee son of a coach placed on the sideline of a game and missing an off-side which had major impact on the results, not fair on him, not fair on players;
2. A referee ignoring swearing probably audible to all of Martens Oval and choosing not to card the player. When questioned, he stated it was his call!! Too much paperwork I think....
3. Referee insisting that a Coach side-line a game or "the game would be called off" and then deliberately placing this Coach on the wrong side of the field so he couldn't be near his Players. What's the point anyway? The centre referee ignores the calls anyway. The aftermath of this particular incident was disgusting.
4. A referee calling a game early because "playing on won't make any difference to the result anyway".
5. 14 Year old boys refereeing Men's game, come on.... get real.

I could count on one hand the times we have actually seen 3 refs come out to Junior Games during the season. Maybe if we take that expensive entry gate out at Martens Oval and get a refund.... we could employ some decent refs?

Disgusted
15/08/08

Why is it that at the start of the soccer season that every single player pays something like $60 for refs, yet we have still had to provide a linesman/women in almost every single game! I don't think that is fair! In another point the refs don't even want to be there, there was a ref on the weekend who said that all he wanted to do was go home, and before he had said that all he was doing was chatting to the players on the field. He also denied swearing on the field when it was clearly directed at spectators, there was no red card given. Please explain.

anon
05/08/08

I read a recent article in the News Mail regarding Spirit players participating in the finals with Shane Youngberry, Tom Kimber, Matt Timbrell, Frank Timbrell, Dayne Rimmington, Daniel Watson, Craig Clarke and Josh Brillante named as available players. Bingera captain Simon Rehbein was quoted as saying "We'll be one of the only teams who isn't getting any players back. I thought both Shane Youngberry and Tom Kimber were from Bingera.

"Mac"
01/08/08

Bob
Thanks for putting progress scores from Cougars game on the site. Hope we get up

Rugby people,
As usual at the 11th hour we are having some dramas with the U18 SCC team getting onto the paddock. Some interesting info re this age:

Some have left school
Most don't have jobs
Some don't live at home
Others are indigenous and have other financial issues
Most are able and willing to play open rugby now or in the immediate future if not already
All have played in the Junior U18 comp so far this season
All have trained to date for this tour to Brisbane

So? About five or six of the punters cannot afford the $350.00 each (Most of these are the back line). We are still going down without them and will struggle, you know who I'm talking about here and its always a shame for kids to miss out. The BDJRU are already sponsoring the players for $200.00 each. The strip and everything else is ready to go!

Do you have any ideas at the last minute to come up with about $1000.00 as all the local agencies don't want to know about it as it is to do with the "leppers" game. Don't know what else to say and as I know it's the same old story with the same old kids, I'm listening!

Let me know if there is any ideas at all, it's only dollars that is in the way, they are all able to go otherwise,

Cheers,

Gregory Whan
41311829
01/06/08

Hey after Shane Stewart-Cook's response, I have nothing wrong with Alloway giving the ball back to their keeper to kick the ball down field but the goalie just rolled the ball to Alloway's left back and kept possession themselves instead of giving the ball to ATW.

H
01/06/08

In response to H's letter pondering about what occurred after the unfortunate incident during Saturday's game, I can understand how it may have looked from the sideline. As the captain of the Alloway side and the player at the drop ball I can tell you that it was decided by the Waves captain that we would simply knock the ball back to our keeper to kick down field to Waves possession.

The Alloway players applauding was more to do with acknowledging how Waves had handled a possibly volatile and emotion filled situation.

Shane Stewart-Cook
30/05/08

Just wondering if you could inform me about the ATW and Alloway game on the weekend, how after Roy's leg was broken, even after there was no free-kick, yellow or red card that Alloway passed the ball back to their own keeper and continued after it was clearly at least a foul and then clapped themselves.

Just having a ponder and can't figure out why that happened... See if you can get a referee or Greg Bath to respond.

H
28/05/08

Greg Bath was not at the grounds and it is unlikely that referee will respond.

I would like to offer my congratulations to all involved in bringing state league soccer back to Bundaberg. It is a pleasure to once again be able to watch quality football live on a Saturday night. It will give young athletes a model to gauge their own standard and something to aim for. The flow on effect it will have for the development of the game in the town is tremendous. Ever since my state league playing days in the late seventies and early eighties I have been encouraging and advocating football authorities in Queensland to bring back the state league. With my involvement with Bundy Waves we tried very hard to revive the old state league days eventually folding due to financial pressure and apathy by the participating Brisbane clubs who found the trip expensive and inconvenient.

It is disappointing to hear and read in the local media and on the net that this current competition is the first time ever a state wide competition has been held and that soccer of this standard has never been seen in Bundy before. This is far from the truth and very disrespectful to the history of soccer in Bundaberg. After a difficult first year we performed very well in the next 4 to 5 seasons gaining the respect of the QLD soccer community. Some of the best footballers Queensland and Australia has ever produced played in that league. Many of the players involved in the Brisbane strikers grand final win in 1997 started their professional careers in the state league. The people involved in the early state league days who worked tirelessly to keep the team in the top half of the table are less than impressed with comments made - 'First time ever' Best football in fifty years' . Football Queensland has boxes of information locked in their archives which document this golden period in Queensland soccer. Those involved in the early days who have passed away would be turning in their graves to hear or read such comments.

Now that I have set the record straight I would once again like to congratulate all involved and commend them for all their hard work. I hope State League football prospers in Bundaberg and that you have as much success as we had in the past.

Yours in sport,

Guy Barone
27/04/08

Bob, I read with great interest your article the other day on the Bundy Spirit and whether it can survive. You raise a number of interesting points. It would be appreciated if the Chairman of the Spirit, Matthew Stokes could provide an official written response to the points that have been made. I would be interested to read Matthew’s views. I would also be interested to hear how he believes the football community and the business community can be best utilised to provide the support the Spirit needs.

David Timbrell
24/04/08

Dave - I have advised Matt Stokes of your query and have asked for a response.

I'd like to make comment in regard to clubs losing players to Bundy Spirit. Across The Waves has been criticised and are copping flak weekly for not having lost many players to the Spirit. All ATW players were informed and encouraged to try out for the Spirit. That only two players took up the challenge is no reason to criticise ATW. Every week we hear clubs using the excuse, how weakened they are because of players going to the Spirit. I'd like to clear this up. From ATW's first division side last season we have lost: Luke Perry, Ben Smith, Cody Amos, Jason DePapi, Robbie Prendergast, Jason Chapman, Roberto Dunn, Peter Martin and now Michael Stayte. That is nine mostly starting team players gone from last season and we still manage to be strong in both first and second divisions. How is this so? Well, if anyone wanted to ask myself or John Brillante how much work has been done in the past four years by John, Jimmy Harkness and myself they would realise that Youth Development is the only way. So I suggest to the struggling clubs that maybe you need to stand and have a look in your own back yards before you are critical of others. John, Jimmy and myself have been at soccer seven days a week for the past four years and that is the only way to do it.

A perfect example is Brothers Aston Villa. Through the hard work of David Smith, Kayleen Bryan and Kayleen's Mum, BAV have only two junior teams less than ATW. Go and ask David and Kayleen how much work has gone into getting BAV back to this position.

In closing, I'd like to say that I am in full support of Bundaberg Spirit and congratulate them on their first win. Good onya boys, do Bundy proud.

The never say die attitude was demonstrated bye BHU on Saturday night The fixture against Diggers was the half time turning point.. coming back from 3 nil down early on in the second half to win 4 - 3 shows that BHU have the depth that they lacked last year while Diggers lack depth this year proven by the fact that they only had one sub. Negative comments have been produced against the club BHU every time they pull a victory off .. I believe the team has what it takes to make the top 4 this year.

The Comments made by Nog "I know its early days and much can happen during a season i.e. injuries"
"My prediction for this season 1 ATW 2 Alloway 3 Diggers 4 BAV 5 Bingera 6 Burnett Heads"
contradicts himself. While it is early in the season you can not make a prediction going on the recent results of Clubs. Bingera 2007 Grand Finalist winners have failed to snatch a victory how ever they do have a strong team on paper, just unlucky, Burnett Heads last year wooden spooners have managed to win 3 of the first 5 games which is the total number of victories managed by them last season, This shows Burnett heads has the capability of competing with the top 4.

Burnett Heads is a team with unknown quality and talent and should not be written of for top 4 position also Bingera should not be a team to write off this early on in the season a lot can happen and both teams have the ability to upset the other clubs.

Hi Bob
I know its early days and much can happen during a season ie injuries, people moving on etc, I feel the league has taken its shape for the rest of the season. ATW look very strong with young blood that show a good mixture of skills and power both in defence and attack. I feel they could go through this season as undefeated champions.

Alloway are showing very early that they are there to compete, and I think should they show better finishing skills they will take second place, providing they don't loose their older players to injuries. I think it will be a good fight between BAV and Diggers for third spot. BAV are improving every week and it will be up to Diggers to match this improvement, (it will be interesting to see) Bingera and Burnett Heads will take points along the way but I feel with the loss of so many players at Bingera they will have to use this season as a building block.

My prediction for this season
1 ATW
2 Alloway
3 Diggers
4 BAV
5 Bingera
6 Burnett Heads

I made comment at the start of the season, with reference to the new format regarding the under 6 to 8 players. Its not had the effect I was anticipating. Young people are scoring goals with more ease without goal keepers. and the players and parents are still counting the amount of goals scored. Maybe we should take the goals away and the team who can make the most passes without the other team touching the ball should be deemed the winner. Maybe we can invent a game for our young people who want to be goal keepers. Anyway the youngsters are still enjoying the game and that is more important than any criticism I can make.

Football Bundaberg has once again done the football fraternity proud with good pitches, facilities, and a good map for the season. It's also great to see the new young officials take to the field, well done must be said to everyone involved with this, without good officials our sport would die (well done)

Last but by no means least Bundaberg Spirit. A fantastic job has been done to get this team off the ground, and into the Q league They haven't got a win yet but the higher level of football has been great to watch and I for one will continue to support them. This team has shown a strong work ethic and will make other teams have to work hard for a result. I think they deserve our support, and win or loose it's great for football in Bundaberg. Our domestic league has taken a battering but this will pick up in time.

Well said Nog. My predictions are ATW v Bingera grand final then Alloway, BAV, Diggers and Burnett Heads. We will see.

Anybody familiar with football in Bundaberg would have got a good laugh out of the Ball and All column in Saturday's News Mail. At least they are honest enough to say that it is a "gossip" column.

Nugget
05/04/08

Thank you to Rob Prendergast and the Across The Waves first division team for hosting a trial game against the Spirit side on Monday night. With the local competition already started I appreciate them backing up 2 days after their club match to give us a solid hit out. Looking at the talent amongst the young players that were on display in addition to what I’ve seen at the other clubs gives me a lot of confidence in the future of the Spirit.

Lynn Hodgkinson
Coach
Bundaberg Spirit
18/03/08

As the other Player involved in the incident Friday night which left another player injured, I wish to add to the comments made with regard to the Ambulance being called. The player told both her Manager and the first Medic on the spot that her neck had cracked as she fell. She was in extreme pain. If this player was my child, or under my Management, I would agree totally with the ambulance being called.

We all know the dangers of neck injuries and she was treated accordingly. An ambulance has paramedics on board, and she would have then been seen by a Doctor, who, whilst we do have dedicated and devoted Medic Staff, would be in the position to make a diagnosis not available at the soccer fields. Perhaps those who criticize should consider if the Player down was his or her daughter, would they have complained about an ambulance then? For goodness sake, let's get on with the game we all play and love.

"The great fallacy is that the game is first and last about winning. It is nothing of the kind. The game is about glory, it is about doing things in style and with a flourish, about going out and beating the other lot, Not for them to die of boredom!"

This famous quote from Danny Blanchflower Captain of the great Tottenham Hotspur double wining team.

Paul
04/03/08

Hi Bob,
Hope you are well. I keep up to date with all Bundy's Football news through your site and noted that there was some debate re - the introduction of small sided games. You may be interested in the
attached link to a report made in England re this topic.

I am currently working with the Matildas this week on the Sunshine Coast in their 3 match series against New Zealand. Former Academy keeper Kate Stewart who is at the QAS is also in camp so it has been
good to work with her again. I am away in Singapore next week with the Joey's for in international tournament as part of our Asian Cup preparations later this year in Uzbekistan.

Just to let you know due to the justsports website some long lost friends in England, have been able to make contact with me. They were searching netball sites for their daughter to join a junior team in England. During this search, they came across justsports.com.au and saw a photo of my daughter and her team at nippers netball in Bundaberg. After they emailed the website and your forwarding their email, we have been able to reconnect after 7 years. This shows just another way the internet has opened doors to friends and families.

Congratulations on your website! Not only do you show an interest in the wonderful world of sports in Bundaberg, it has also touched the rest of the wonderful world of sports for our kids. Thank you.

Tracey Young
08/02/08

I would like to make comment regarding the new agenda for football at the under 6/8 levels. I have spoken to about 20 or so parents, of children around this age group and so far they are in agreement that it is taking the fun out of the game by not letting them be competitive.

Young people get so much enjoyment with scoring a goal, and as this is the aim of the game, why should they have this taken away from them. In all walks of life someone will be stronger or more skilful than another, instead of holding these children back shouldn't we be building our youth up to compete at the higher level. Young people should be shown how to win and loose with dignity, not shielded from reality at every given opportunity.

I think of great Scottish players that came through the old systems, Dennis Law, Kenny Dalglish, Billy Breamnar, and thousands more. Did the old system not work for them.

My own personal belief is this ruling has been made to curb over enthusiastic parents rather than improve the young peoples abilities. Let the children have their game as it should be played, let them copy there foot balling heroes, let them score their goals and rejoice in it.

Parents let the coaches do there job and let your kids make there own mistakes, without interference.

I would love to hear other peoples ideas on this subject, I have an open mind and if anyone can convince me different, or agrees with me please reply.

Dear Bundaberg football players and coaches,

Via this email I would firstly like to congratulate Lynn on his new job as coach of Bundaberg Spirit. I think this challenge is giving him the opportunity of bringing football in Bundaberg to a higher level, for the local area and Queensland, something he always wanted.

Furthermore the name Bundaberg Spirit is a perfect name for EVERYBODY to give Bundaberg a chance to settle most differences, give the game a new boost and bring the fun of the game and healthy competition to higher level. Bundaberg has quite some football talent around, use the great mentality in a good way and show the Queensland people what Bundaberg can do/achieve!

Secondly: Good luck to everybody for the new season! Play the game with your heart and your brain!

Go Spirit! and Go Diggers! (of course everyone may still have his/hers personal preference -))

Ronald Gouwentak
19/01/08

Great to see Langers is making his debut, he truly deserves this start I wish him well.

hub
16/01/08

Out of all the waffle that has been said and written about the so-called cricket “crisis”, I have heard only one thing that is new or even in any way astute. I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but it came from, of all people, Tony Greig, when he said that modern cricketers are behind the times with their attitude to walking. He says that with the technology available today, any player who doesn’t walk when he has hit the ball and been caught is risking ridicule because he will be found out and exposed. Whether we think that is good for the game or not, it is fact and it is not going to change because the slow pace of the game allows the techno-freaks to use all their latest toys. I think international cricket is in a mess, with the very nature of the game seemingly under constant change. But after all the media outlets have milked this for all they can, things will settle down again and in a few months it will all be forgotten. After all, how else is Test cricket going to get on the front page?

Nuggett
10/01/08

So the Indians are going to pack up the bat and ball and go home - Who cares?

DJH
08/01/08

I saw Ricky Ponting on the News and he said that the test had been played in the spirit of the game apart from one small incident. If it was so small why report it.

Tony Hull
08/01/08

The Indian team certainly were on the wrong end of some bad decisions which cost them the match, but to cancel the tour is an over reaction.

Evening Bob,

I would like to comment on the email from Lyn in regards to seating at Martens Oval. For the past few years I have travelled to a number of venues with my partner. Cairns seating was no different to Martens oval. The two trips I made to the Sunshine Coast had me sit on the ground and get bitten by ants as there was no seating and I believe there still isn't. 2 trips to Rockhampton, the first at the Soccer grounds where the seating was wide concrete slabs that allowed your legs to go no where except out in front of you and the 2nd was on aluminium seats at the League grounds.

I wouldn't call either them extremely comfortable. I suppose my point is that through my travels and from what I have seen Martens Oval offers the best facilities I have seen anywhere I have been. Yep we would all love new stands to sit in but I don't believe this is the reason why people don't come to watch the game. If it is may I suggest a small cushion to soften the blow!!!

Thanks Lesley
15/11/07

top of page

Bob, I hope you are wrong about the local Q League team not going ahead because of poor attendances at the State Cup games. I don't believe there is really any relevance between the two things for a number of reasons. Bundaberg people don't feel like they have ownership of the Wide Bay team because half the players are unknown to them. They also know that a number of prominent local players are missing and I think that is a big factor that is overlooked when we look at crowd sizes. After the game against Mount Isa I spoke to a couple whose son was a top local player years ago and this is the first time I have seen them at Martens Oval in 5 years. So we got them out there but their first comment to me was that they had forgotten how uncomfortable the hard seats were. I saw a few people out there that haven't been to soccer for a while but will we get them out there again if it was an uncomfortable experience? Expectations of acceptable facilities have changed so much over the last 10 years and if we are going to compete with all the other recreational options that cater to spectator comfort we will have to lift our game.

Local players do not support the competition and I have to wonder why the rule about players making themselves available for representative games or risk suspension is not being enforced like it was during the club season. But if we are not going to make players participate then it is incumbent on us to at least find out why they won't. I learnt a lot during my 2 years as coach and I believe if we are to get people to come out and support these games we need to do the following:

1. Enter the competition as a Bundaberg team - or whichever location is going to host the home games. The team at least can train together, and the home crowds will know the players. The coach could always invite selected players from other centres if necessary.
2. Develop a better representative competition during the season with centres outside of Wide Bay so that spectators can get to know the players and get used to supporting them, and at the same time getting to see a higher level of competition which can only whet their appetite for more.
3. Work on getting the support of the local players by giving them a voice on the development of the representative program.

Each year we repeat the same mistake - a lack of proper preparation. I know Greg Bath and his volunteers work hard during the State Cup season but I think we must improve the whole representative program, not just this competition, if we are to get the hearts, minds and dollars of the local soccer fans.
I don't think the Q League team will have a problem with getting bums on seats. The crowds will get to know the players; they will support them because they will see them as a Bundaberg team (even if a lot of the players are not from here); and they will be treated to a higher standard of competition. I have had several people say to me that while they wouldn't bother going out to see local club games, or the State Cup games as things are at the moment, they would definitely follow and support a Q League team. If I was a member of the Q League team consortium I would be taking the opportunity to survey the crowd at our last home game next Saturday to find out what would make them support their team, rather than assume that because the crowds for the State Cup are poor that the crowds for the Q League will be the same. I can remember when, not so long ago, temporary stands had to be put on the eastern side of the field to accommodate visiting NSL sides. The demand is there, but
!
I really think something has to be done about spectator comfort because the current seating facilities definitely put the casual spectator off and only the diehard fans venture out to Martens Oval at the moment.

I know you are just trying to stir the locals up to get them to come out to the games but we must not make the mistake of underestimating the intelligence of the supporter. They won't accept a poor product, and why should they?

Maybe we're a bit quick to jump to conclusions. With a team that would resemble an elite side mirroring an A-League side and coached maybe by an overseas coach and with the quality of A-League matches and with the backing of high profile businesses anything is possible.

People who play are usually involved in other sports in the off-season, and new spectators to the sport are usually dragged there with people involved with the sport anyway. The matches would be better played during the regular season I feel with 1st Division matches as a curtain raiser.

Craig Brown
04/11/07

Bob, I read with interest the interview on your website with Greg Bath and Matthew Stokes regarding a new league called Q league or similar. I applaud the concept and wish Matthew and his colleagues a lot of success with this project. I hope for their sake it is a financially rewarding venture. However, I have a few comments that I would like to note here.

A recent article in the Brisbane press (either the Courier Mail or the Sunday Mail noted that while the commencement date for this competition is scheduled for October 2008 it is understood this may slip to March 2009. This would indicate that it may be played in winter. If so the issue of venues is a real concern. I am not sure I fully understood from Greg and Matthew's comments whether this matter has been finalised or not. If Martens Oval is not available for use what contingency plans are available. I am not aware of another ground in the Bundaberg area that would be of the required standard for such a competition. I also note that the lights at Field 1 of Martens Oval need a bit of TLC. Maybe Greg or Matthew could clarify this point.

There was a reference to budgets of $250,000 for the team. If player payments are capped at $120,000 one would assume to attract the right standard of players that figure is a given. In any professional sport that involves salary caps most clubs will spend nearly the whole amount and the issue is keeping within it. This leaves $130,000 to pay for travel and accommodation costs, payments for staff. There is mention of payments for a coach, sponsor development Manager. I also presume you will need an Executive Officer type of person to look after logistics, pay the bills ( including the players), invoice sponsors etc. This is before we think about the rental of grounds etc. manning of gates, provision of any required security (I am sure there will be some requirement).

There was no mention of any merchandising in the interview and maybe Matthew and his guys have done their sums elsewhere on this but generally this requires an investment up front. Also there would need to be some sort of advertising campaign to promote the team and the brand. This is not cheap.
I am not sure this all achievable within a budget of $250,000. The $375,000 mentioned in the interview seems more achievable. Hopefully in future years this will become a lower number (in 2007 dollars) as they start to see rolling benefits from brand awareness and the like.

I would also be interested to hear Matthew's views on their recruitment strategy. Is it anticipated to recruit mainly from the area. If not recruitment from other areas is an expensive exercise. Relocation costs, trying to find employment for the players from other areas is an expensive and time consuming task. I can understand that the team is a stand alone business proposition but if it intends to base itself in Bundaberg then it needs to win brand loyalty from the local public. Community involvement is one way. Being seen as a pathway for local players (especially today's juniors is another). However, if the local football community do not feel engaged then crowd numbers will not achieve their potential. This will have a negative impact on advertising revenue.
There is no mention in the interview of how the team will engage with the media. I would have thought this is absolutely vital. It maybe that Football Queensland is running this arrangement on a state-wide basis.

I do want to sound negative and do wish Matthew and his team all the best. I hope Matthew reads this email and says "Yes, I have addressed all these points and am happy with our position.

hey breno check your facts North won a title last year and this year

hub
07/10/07

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Was interested when reading the round up for this year from Greg Bath as to this year having the highest amount of players involved in our sport and ground attendances in history. Myself as a matter of interest would love to know what those figures were and the previous record that was held (and which year). I can remember as a kid watching my father play first division, you couldn't get a seat in the grandstand for a fixture match let alone the grand final. People could even drive their cars in and park behind field one and two as well as the top kids fields. Can you assist Bob?

Craig Brown
02/10/07

Response Greg Bath
Re Craig’s comments on numbers
Player Numbers are as per the Census, Bundaberg showed a growth of more than 12% for 2007 (giving us close to 2,500 Players) whereas the growth across the Zone was only around 6%. There definitely were more people watching Craig’s Dad play in the Senior games back then but our figures are taken across the season for all time periods, not just a Saturday for Div 1. Bearing in mind the 2007 season was also around 26 weeks , not 16 weeks.

There is no doubt that numbers of people watching games these days are not what they used to be years ago, our investigations have shown a number of reasons for this: quality of the game; competition from other sports; competition from TV; competition from cable and also competition from the number of social activities available in this day and age. Through health and fitness pushes and also New Football getting the exposure it is today we will continue to increase our participants in the sport, thus assisting in attracting more people to games.

With FBI programmes starting in 2008 to improve quality from Roo Ball upwards the future certainly looks excellent as this all flows through. We need to continue to improve facilities; quality of games and manage the previous concerns that have eroded at spectator numbers. The tough stances taken by the Peak Body over the past 3 years in enforcing the changes that have occurred have not been easy and these have hit Clubs in 2007 and will flow on even further in 2008, but with this has come solid growth and also improvements back to grass root level. The 1.6 million dollar investment by Football Queensland and Red Rooster by way of “Red Kits” to all Registered Coaches in 2008 is a huge injection into Clubs at the start of the year, this will save Clubs a lot of money locally as they will not have to purchase balls; bibs or cones for their teams. There is no doubt that Wide Bay Rep parents for the boys will have some stressful concerns as more information is released on the changes that are taking place there, this form of elite development is great for the player but of course affects other areas. Thanks for the opportunity to comment Bob.

Greg Bath
FBI Chairman
17/10/07

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NBFC - you obviously have no idea. North Bundaberg made 1 grand final, that something to be proud of. I can admit that Bingera where the best team in the comp this year, but there is no doubt that ATW are the best club in the league, and that North Bundaberg are useless. And to the person who wants to accuse ATW of being hackers, you would want to hope your not from Norths, as they are the biggest hackers in the league, in every division.

See you all on the park next season.

Nick Martin
26/09/07

hahaha Norths giving Waves crap about losing. You haven't made a final in any division for how many years?

breno
23/09/07

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Just a question for Nick. how can you call yourselves the best team in the comp when you loose a gf 6-2 that's just humiliating.

Comment: I might not often agree with Nick, but he does put his name to submissions.

Hey Nick Martin, I hope your your football skills are better than your verbal skills cause a a lot of crap comes out your mouth, whenever you do actually get a chance to play that is....How did Waves go in the grand final. Let me remind you Bingera 6 the loud mouth hackers (Waves) 2....Unlucky, maybe another big mouth like you can inspire them next year...lol

NBFC
22/09/07

Obviously most of the referees don't even bother checking this site or we all would have quit by now. But then again, it's nothing we don't hear week in week out, throughout the season. Now, I may be just 16 but I've been a referee in Bundy for 5 years now, and my Dad has been refereeing for 24 years. Most of you will probably know him. Geoff Gaffel.

This year, Geoff finally got to semi-retire, because of a few newer referees who were believed capable of stepping up to the first div. Funnily enough, Dad felt that 23-odd years of abuse was enough for anyone. He is still involved, and still refs on a Friday night. Have to be impressed by Noel Stitt, who has been an official for even longer and still puts up with rubbish on the field in the highest divisions each week.

Lucky me got promoted this year, along with a few other junior referees younger than myself. We have had the opportunity to be ARs in the first and second division games. Let me just say, to the credit of all players, more often than not, it's not the players who are the ones calling out abuse. It's the spectators. I have a lot of respect for most of the men I see playing on that field. I did, however, see some rather spectacular video footage of a North Bundaberg first div player, who is and was suspended, going off at the referee's decision during the semi-final last weekend...

I'd like to thank all the senior coaches who patronize me as a female by telling their players to behave 'while there's a girl around'. I sincerely appreciate the thought, if not the tone, and the gentlemanly conduct (even though it is often not adhered to by players) is getting rare.

Next year, I too will be gone, leaving yet another space for another referee to fill. People, try not to scare them off. Even if you don't like what we're doing, try to have a little respect for the difficulty of our job. And considering I spend up to 15 hours at Martens Oval on a weekend, we get paid peanuts for it too.

Tegan Gaffel
21/09/07

This is what I mean by get off your high horse. You're from Waves so obviously you're the best. Well that is a load of crap. It was your brother who screwed it up he needs to wake up to himself, and the funny thing is at least he can ref, he isn't the one who is suspended

All I can say is for the local whistle blowers to watch games in the A League and the English Premier League. One does not have to be an expert lip reader to realize that the players use foul language towards referees and their assistants many times during a match. The difference is that the referees involved in these games would almost certainly be demoted if they started sending off players for swearing. The administrators of the code know that the sponsors and television networks would be put off if games were ruined by a referee’s decisions. Queensland Referees state development officer Alan Kibler, in his time, was one of the best referees in this state. Having seen a number of his matches, at no time can I remember him controlling a match with red or yellow cards. His fitness and positioning and a great ability to run backwards allowed him to be on top of any incident during the game. This ability together with an outgoing personality gained him the respect of all players. His brief should be to instruct referees to perform like he did in the past. Not try to gain respect by the use of cards – this does not work and will not work.”

Not my words, but those of Robert Edgar writing in his column in the News Mail on Saturday, 8 September. Elsewhere in the article he says, “… players train and play all season for a chance to take part in the final match.” And, “So it is therefore most important that referees allow players to decide matches, not have them decided by the ref’s decisions.” Robert Edgar is an ex-Bundaberg referee and a long standing member of the Football Bundaberg judiciary panel, and was making these remarks in response to the recent clampdown on swearing so publicly announced by FBI, and I think his comments are very telling.

I want to make a couple of other points about the swearing issue. Craig Dewar never denied he swore in the last game of the regular season but he is adamant that he didn’t abuse the referee or speak in a threatening way. Like most of us, he uttered the magic word in frustration and other players around him confirmed his version. That the referee was then able to send him off and charge him with a serious offence attracting a minimum 3 week suspension without having his decision scrutinized by an independent tribunal is, in my opinion, a denial of natural justice to Craig. I don’t care what the rules of the FFA, FWB or FBI state, I defy anyone to defend that process as being just and fair. When the referee is judge, jury and executioner there is a serious flaw in the process, and under such a system the opportunity for abuse of power is obvious.

Finally, I agree that there should be a clampdown on swearing by players so long as it is done with some common sense. But when is something going to be done about the disgraceful language and behaviour of some of the spectators at Martens Oval? ALL clubs are to blame and to my mind this is far more damaging to the image of the game then the odd swear word uttered by a player in the heat of battle. I’m not pointing the finger at the administration here because I think it is the responsibility of each club to ensure their supporters behave themselves and show respect for the beautiful game.

Lynn, You know you are lying when you say you have never had a problem with Norths supporters, or maybe you are just trying to make it look bad for ATW. And yes, I have been guilty of a few of the things you have mentioned and I'm not sorry for one of them, but you and player from your club are not perfect either. At least if my team was down at half time in a cup final or a league semi final I would be in the dressing room at half time trying to encourage them to improve on there performance in the second half, not just stand outside leaning against the drinks pondering on what could of been.

And for the John Guscott fan, you are correct, I haven't refereed a 1st division game but I can guarantee you now I would do a better job than John himself. He once again proved on Saturday that he could not even handle an u/13 match. And may I ask, if ATW isn't the best club in the competition, who is? Look at the facts and I'm sure you will find that I am right.

Nick Martin
20/09/07

Hi Bob I have been reading through the letters on your say and although it might seem a touch hypocritical on my part I would just like to share with those interested in reading a quote from an autobiography I am currently reading, and I think we can all take something away from

I quote, ”Football is special. You play in a group, you can not play it alone- there is something magical in the absolute harmony that exists among team mates. A ball passed well to a striker is every bit as important as the goal itself. When it’s well tuned, it all comes out beautifully and it really thrills the audience when this happens, they can appreciate the tone of the game, its beauty. I feel the spectators should be like the twelfth player on a team, so important are they in the spectacle as a whole, and the spectators, the fans, must be aware that there are rules for them too – RESPECT for the club, for your opponents, for the players on the pitch, for the women in the stands, for the children who will ensure that football won’t die out in the future. They should have the right to be exuberant, to burst with music, songs, banners and much more, as long as they don’t offend anybody. Aggression is the one thing that is inexcusable.

As players our ambition should always be to play an elegant game, because from that nucleus emerges an example that reaches everyone, we have to be worthy and competent to show everyone that we are not just players but people with feelings and manners obeying the number one rule of every sport, and of life – to know how to lose. If you want to succeed, you have to know how to face the challenge for in sport as in life: there are defeats and there are victories”

Edson Arantes Do Nascimento “ PELE “ May 2006.

Good luck to the Diggers 2nd Div side in the grand final, they say all good things come to those who wait. Good luck to the Diggers U12 side in their grand final too.
Digger Digger

Barlow
20/09/07

Nick, I couldn’t agree with you more. I wasn’t at Martens Oval on Saturday so I can’t comment on what happened but I must say I’m surprised that the Norths supporters would have played up because I have never had a problem with their behaviour. But I agree there is no place for such things as singling out certain players for constant abuse for the entire game; spraying of opposition players with beer during games; spitting on and shoving opposition players as they walk onto and off the pitch; throwing beer cans at them during a game; verbally abusing and harassing opposition players as they leave the grounds after a game; milling around outside an opposition team’s dressing room after a game and mocking them because they lost; and congregating in the dressing shed next to a team contesting a grand final against another club to insult and mock that team just as they are preparing to go out onto the field. These are examples of behaviour that is shameful, unsporting, and disrespectful and should not have any place in sport. I’m glad we agree.

Lynn Hodgkinson
19/09/07

Comment: Apparently both North Bundaberg and Across the Waves representatives will attend a judiciary hearing this Thursday re incidents over the weekend.

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In regard to Nick Martins comment about referee John Guscott. Nick can't turn around and say that John doesn't have the common sense to be refereeing 1st division as he himself can not get a 1st div centre. Maybe if all of the people that bag out referees gave it a shot they would see how hard it actually is to be a referee. Nick how can you turn around and say not to talk behind ATW's back when you do it about other clubs I honestly think Waves need to get off their high horse and come back down to earth as they're not the best team in Bundaberg.

Name supplied.
19/09/07

Craig,

That is a fair point, the game was exciting and a well fought battle, but there is no way i will respect the club after there show on Saturday night. If players and fans cannot handle defeat, they should not be there in the first place. I can understand where you are coming from, and i do respect Norths performance on the pitch, but once again the game was soured by the poor discipline and disrespectful showing of the North Bundaberg supporters.

Nick Martin
19/09/07

Well said Craig, anyway if they did it so easily why didn't they do it in regular time?

Trev
18/09/07

Hey Nick. Yes Congratulations to ATW on their win but please mate what game were you watching. There is no way any Waves player can honestly call that an easy win. Either way, easy or not a win is a win and you will be playing in the final not us. But I tell you this I would love to watch a hard fought match if that was an easy one. Please mate a little respect when it is deserved.

Anyway all the best to all the teams playing the final this weekend.

Craig.
18/09/07

Congratulations to ATW 1st division who once again proved there dominance on Saturday, and although the score board didn't reflect it they they did it easily! Unlucky to Norths, who once again failed to make a final! It is also good to see the best 2 teams in the comp make the final. It should be a good game played in good spirit.

Grand final tally - ATW:10, Diggers:2, and mighty North Bundaberg:1

Nick Martin
17/09/07

Had a look through your web .Had a good read and a laugh as well as impressed at some of the comments made by the punters .What a magic game this football is that it can create so much passion and opinions. By the way to all Go Scotland battered the French in Glasgow then slaughtered them in Paris .To all in Bundaberg Football Family .Keep up the good work

Mr Magic
16/09/07

Congratulations to all teams involved in this year’s 1st division competition, and to that matter all others. Having Burnett Heads included this year has been a real positive and made our comp much better than last year and towards the end the lads were certainly up to the level required. It was good to see Alloway be more than competitive, when they were in contention for a finals spot it made the competition exciting. I could not have been more proud of my guys tonight, North Bundaberg, who were tremendous in defeat, and had luck been our way we may have even won. Good luck to Bingera and ATW next weekend.

All those involved in Football Bundaberg must realise that we are very spoilt compared to other regional areas. Our game is well run (well done to Mr Bath and his team); we have officials willing to be involved and do their best job, the grounds and facilities that are here in Bundaberg for juniors through to seniors are tremendous -second to none. We would do well to think of these things the next time some of us try to run down our game.

See you all next year.
Matt Doolan
15/09/07

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I can testify to the fact player poaching is happing, as today I was aggressively and repeatedly made offers to leave my club and sign up for a different club for next year. Lucky nobody takes the person in question or myself seriously.

Signed
A player who is way beyond the point of poaching.
15/09/07

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The one thing I would like to correct is that there were never two rego forms handed in with my signature. The only one was the Diggers one, after I was deregistered by Diggers the BHU form went in. I know I left it late to leave and went about it in the wrong way. It is sad to see you leave Diggers, you have probably been the best first div coach Diggers have had.

Hamish Jansen
13/09/07

Hamish, you should be the very last person to accuse anybody of being a hypocrite. I honestly can’t believe you would have the gall to say what you have said. It’s a bit rich coming from a person who didn’t even have the guts to tell me (or his team mates) in person he was leaving Diggers but notified me in an email 4 days before the season started. How many times did you swear your allegiance to Diggers to myself and the other players in the weeks and days leading up to your defection? I’ll let you in on a little secret – we weren’t too upset that you were leaving but we were dirty about the way you did it after saying you were committed to us.

The reason I announced early that I wasn’t continuing next year was so the club could get the word out that they were looking for a new coach while the season was still running rather than have to wait to the off season when it is harder. Nobody from Diggers approached Nog – he saw that the job was vacant and indicated his interest, and the club refused to discuss it with him until his commitments with Alloway were finished. I had no discussions or dealings with Nog at all but I know how careful our committee was in ensuring that the proper steps were taken. The issue with Burnett Heads was that the players that were approached had already registered to play with Diggers in 2007, and we were told that repeated approaches were being made even after the players had said they weren’t interested. And could it be the threatened 12 month suspension was not because you switched clubs but because you had signed registration forms with 2 clubs concurrently? As far as I am concerned off season is open season on players and coaches but once they have signed to play for a particular club for the up coming year then it should be “hands off”. Anybody who tries to promote anything else is not living in the real world. In fact if movement between clubs was forbidden we would end up with a 2 club competition because no one else would be able to compete.

In future please spare us your particular form of “moralising” because no one takes it seriously.

Lynn Hodgkinson
13/09/07

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At the beginning of the season BHU was brought to the judiciary to answer poaching allegations by Diggers Football Club. Lou Tominich was accused of allegedly poaching Diggers players, and then had his good name blasted all over the newspaper after Diggers Football Club dragged 2 members of BHU to the judiciary which only one member of Diggers Football Club showed up for and Lou still ended up with a 2 week suspension. Wide Bay questioned my move from Diggers to BHU and was looking at suspending me for up to 1 year.

Diggers Football Club are nothing but hypocrites when they have approached the Alloway Football Club’s 1st Division Coach and successfully “poached” their coach for next years season and this year’s season hasn’t even concluded yet. This action is a complete contradiction on Diggers part. Aren’t the recent actions of Diggers Football Club also a form of ‘poaching’?
On another note, Coaches, like players have to sign a registration form at the beginning of the year. Which means that you are still registered to the 31st December and can not be approached by another club until their registration runs out.

I hope Football Bundaberg take a direct action in dealing with this issue promptly.

Hamish and Beau Jansen
13/09/07

Your observation was 100% correct Nick, that most definitely was me in the crowd having a dig at one of your club mates. But even though i referred to him as a 'dickhead' and 'easily the worst player on the field' I would hardly say that was the most insulting thing I've ever heard at the soccer, especially compared to what's said at other games between the two clubs.

But isn't it interesting that myself and many other players can get sent off for swearing on the field, yet as soon as I take off my jersey and become a spectator I can unleash right next to mothers and fathers, the young and the old and nothing would happen. A bit strange considering the goal of that rule was to make soccer a more family friendly environment. Personally I think it just makes the rule even more ludicrous. But now that its been mentioned, maybe Mr. Bath will try and show everyone who's boss and I'll get something ridiculous like a 6 week suspension with no chance of appeal, someone else will get 10 weeks for arguing about it. Someone else will do the same thing and get 3-4 weeks, less for an appeal, and then the lucky few will get a week, or nothing at all.

But all that only after he first gets his photo in the paper.

Craig Dewar
12/09/07

Correct me if im wrong but Im pretty sure i can recall one Craig Dewar insulting and Accross the Waves player during there 6-1 demolition of Diggers?

Nick Martin
Never supported Diggers and never will
10/09/07

As an interested spectator, I would like to air my thoughts on the latest send-off of a Division 1 player for swearing on the field during the last fixture game of the season. There is no argument that the player did swear, not personally at the referee, but a comment that he did not agree with the referee’s decision. As captain, he should be allowed to query a decision. But in the heat of the moment, the inevitable swear word creeps in resulting in an instant red card. The swear word was not heard by any member of the public nor was it heard by any opposition players.

For a player who has played soccer for 18 years with only 1 previous red card or suspension, the resulting wipe out for the rest of the season was extremely harsh. If his team had gone all the way to the grand final, that meant a 3 game suspension. I can’t help thinking that the length of suspension depends on which club you play for. Previous suspensions for swearing for one particular Div 1 player was only 1 week. Very odd that this player should get 3 weeks.

To top it all off, the player was not asked to be present at the judiciary , he was not shown the Referees report and was given no explanation on why the suspension was so long. He was then advised that he would not be allowed to lodge an appeal.

Mr Bath, why does the general public have to put up with the constant swearing by loud mouths, standing between the stands outside the bar, many are players or ex-players half tanked and getting more tanked. We have put up having to listen to this constant swearing for years. Have any of them been suspended, if not why not?

My wife and I used to be regular spectators on a Saturday and have witnessed some strange and often very strange refereeing decisions. In one particular game involving “a favoured team”, we witnessed the ref talking to one team captain only to have the opposing team captain push his counterpart hard enough to sit him on his backside. To our amazement, no card, no penalty, nothing. In the same game a “favoured team player’ upset at the ref’s decision, dropped his shorts, what sort of example is this setting for younger players. Once again, no card, no penalty, nothing. This incident was seen by us and others in the stands but apparently Mr Bath said it never happened.

As I have stated some teams seem to get away with indiscretions more than others. I don’t claim to know all the rules of the game but consistency by the refs and judiciary is a must.

Dave Dewar
Diggers Supporter since 1970
09/09/07

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I assume "someone who knows" is a News Mail insider. It may well be true that the Kaufusi article was not taken from justsports but there have been numerous others in the 'Ball and All' column which appeared first on justsports and could not have been picked up through "rumours". I don't see anything wrong with taking and using information that is in the public domain, but I do believe that when you do so the original source should be referenced.

Lynn, referring to your comments on the 29/08/07... I must say that is probably the best idea that has come out of a Diggers soccer club member since I can remember. I agree totally, there should be something for all local teams to aim for, and that the FBI cup is a waste of time (although the best team has won it on both occasions). I also agree with most of what Tim Auguston has to say, being a referee myself i know the strict guidelines we are supposed to abide by, but common-sense does have to prevail and I just don't think referees such as John Guscott have enough common sense to referee 1st division.

Nick Martin
05/09/07

In regards to John’s posting on 01/09/07 re News-Mail's “Ball and All” and Felise Kaufusi.

Nothing was taken from the justsports site, information like that isn’t extremely exclusive material that could only be gained from the one source. The paper did a junior grand final preview on each age group (Also in Saturday’s paper).

In speaking to numerous junior coaches, including a couple who coach Felise’s age group, a number said they heard that rumour (re interest from the Storm) The Storm were contacted re: Antonio Kaufusi and he was recovering from his injury. The question about Felise was asked but a definitive response could not be gathered before print. Hence the fact it was published as a rumour in the gossip-type column (Ball and All), and not as fact in a straight news story.

Just remember that in a town with a smallish sports circle like ours, stuff like this spreads. It’s easy to criticize John when you don’t know what’s going on.

"someone who knows"
05/09/07

I think its a bit rich for a North Bundaberg player to be telling referees to concentrate more on miss-timed tackles rather than bad language. If that was the case North Bundaberg would not be able to field a team 2 weeks in a row. I'm not saying that they are the only team that do it but they are by far and away the worst for it in the competition.

Nick Martin
03/09/07

Now that schoolboy Rugby League is finished for another year, I would like to thank you for allowing me to inform your readers of updates throughout the season. It is a shame that the local clubs do not use your site to promote their own clubs and especially Rugby League as a whole. I know a lot of people who log on to your site and have commented to me about what I have written. This can only help promote “The Greatest Game of All”.

I look forward to continuing to promote Schoolboy Rugby League next year.

John Gilbert
03/09/07

Some of what Tim Auguston says I would agree with. My only problem is with his (early flagging could cost a team a goal comment) I would prefer an early flag and this would not have cost 2 weeks injury to a goalkeeper. What is most important, the goal, I think not.

Nog Connelly
01/09/07

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Bob, good to see the "Ball and All" corespondent at the News-Mail reads your site. Check out the article on Felise in Saturday's "Ball and All" column in the paper.

John
01/09/07

Interesting to read the thoughts of Nog and Laurie on the issues officials and players face at a local level. For simplicity I'll address each of the points made and give my views on these. Swearing is a tricky issue and one which FIFA doesn't give clear directions on. Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct says that a player shall be shown the red card if they use offensive, insulting or abusive language. Now what is offensive, insulting or abusive to me may not be the same as another person. So there is a lot of grey area here to deal with. My understanding is that Football Bundaberg gave instructions to referees to send off any player heard swearing. Now this can also be confusing in my opinion as I was involved in a match where a player from each side was sent off for saying Sh*t. Again this is a difficult subject. What is swearing and how loud does it have to be? Again the volume is all about perception, one person's loud is not the same as another's. So sometimes I think that the zero tolerance policy should contain zero latitude and make it easier, but then again it takes away a referee's, in my humble opinion anyway, ability to control the game.

I can sympathise with Nog on the player through to goal. I think one of those situations I was the actual player committing the offence and was expecting a red card, but I must admit I didn't complain when the ref only brandished the yellow! The rules don't allow for discretion in the majority of cases and this is meant to allow consistency. Lack of consistency doesn't necessarily come from a lack of understanding of the laws of the game but come from a lack of experience and a lack of courage. In this case the seriousness of the challenge is of zero relevance once you blow the foul the red has to be then shown and this can take some courage to do especially early in a match as a team will have to play a player down for the rest of the match.

The off-side also comes down to experience. In Bundaberg you are always going to have inexperienced assistant referees as there is not the quantity to have experienced ARs on all games. ARs are expected now to wait and make sure that a player that is in an off-side position directly effects the play. I, as a current player and ref, would rather an AR wait and get the right decision than flag early and cost a team a goal.

Lastly Laurie points out that he believes that players who get clear of a defender and then are fouled to stop them continuing forward is a serious offence and I don't disagree. Situations of this nature are a mandatory caution and most times in the first instance this is the case. However if a player has already had a caution a ref may take the soft option and not caution the player as they know it means a sending off. I personally believe if a player offends in a manner which warrants a caution then it should not matter whether they have been cautioned previously or not. I disagree with Laurie over mistimed challenges, players should understand that if they enter a challenge in certain ways, namely sliding, then if they miss the ball that there are consequences. If this was not the case we would go back to the 80s and 70s where if a player made an attempt at the ball no matter the manner, whether from behind, tags showing or two feet over the ball, then there was only a free kick given. I know some people wont agree with what I'm saying, or in fact can give instances where they question my refereeing ability. Which is fine with me as this is free speech at work.

Tim Auguston
30/08/07

Could not agree more with Nog on his comments regarding referees using a bit of common sense with the bad language rule, far too many times this year players have been sent off for swearing at themselves well away from any fans, there have even been instances where nobody but the referee has even heard the "bad language". People keep using the excuse that it is in the rules as set out by FIFA.......take a look at the A league or Premier League each week, if the refs used the same yardstick as in Bundy no one would be left on the pitch.

What the refs should really be looking at and punishing is not the language or the mis-timed tackes but the fouls where players have gone past opposing players and have been repeatedly brought down from behind either by tripping or by shirt pulling, this to me is out and out cheating and should be stamped out of the game.

Good luck to all teams going into the finals and lets just hope that we can get back to talking about the players instead of the referees, they get far too much attention.

Laurie Stephenson
North Bundaberg
30/08/07

PS: Well done to Jim David for last weekends game, it was great to have a referee that you could communicate with.

I was amazed to read what Tony Hogan said in the paper on Saturday. He said “with regard to swearing the referee must stick to the laws of the game and players swearing should be given a red card.”.

Referees must use discretion and take into account all factors before issuing a red card as happens with the laws of the game. For example three times this season we have had a man through on goal with only the keeper to beat and the player was brought down from behind. The rules of the game state that this is a send off offence and yet the offending players have only been given a yellow card.

Furthermore with the offside rule referees are taking a different view to that which should apply. Let me give an example of what has occurred twice this year. A player passes the ball through to a team mate in an offside position who has ten metres to run to collect the ball, with no attempt made to get back onside. The player runs toward the ball and is not ruled offside until he has made a tackle on the keeper. I was of the belief that as soon as the player made a play for the ball that he was offside. Surely the whistle should have been blown before any contact was made with the keeper. The minute the player makes a play for the ball, whether he is one metre or twenty metres from the ball he is offside as he is interfering with play. Again this is at the official’s discretion with different officials having differing opinions.

For Tony Hogan to say it’s the laws of the game really astound me. Yes I agree foul language should have no place on the football field but I also think discretion should be used in the case of language not directed at an official or another player. I am not defending players who use bad language. Bad language directed at an official or a player is deserving of a red card, but please use common sense when it is uttered as a result of a bad tackle, or even when a player is swearing at his own mistake.

Nog Connelly BEM
Coach
29/08/07

With the finals approaching I thought it was timely to suggest that a Wide Bay Club Championship might be something that would interest football lovers. It may be too late to do anything this season, but if there is widespread support for it then it could kick off next year. I suggest that the grand final winners in the 4 centres play off for the title, with semi finals played the week after the grand finals and the final played the week after that. It is reasonable to assume that these teams would contain a number of State Cup representatives and these games would do them no harm in keeping them match fit as we mark time waiting for that tournament to begin. If a decision to go forward is reached now, each centre can arrange their calendars for 2008 so each centre finishes their season on the same date.

While I'm on a roll, I live in hope that a suggestion I have put to administrators previously, a tri-series tournament between Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast and Central Queensland on a home and away basis played during the season proper might one day finally see the light of day. If a Wide Bay team is not an option, what about Bundaberg going it alone?

And finally, how about replacing the FBI Cup with a knock out tournament involving all clubs in the zone. One team per club.

I would like to hear what other people think of these ideas.

Lynn Hodgkinson
29/08/07

Eddie,

neck up. If you actually knew who you were talking to you would know that both Nick and myself have played out of this region. and you would also know that I'm a mate of Alex's. I just felt like giving him flak because of a past instance over the internet.

Hugh Gyngell
29/08/07

Guys, leave Alex alone. This is what he is trying to tell you regarding all the whining and back stabbing everyone does. I am so over this!! This game is going down the toilet big time unless people work together, stop looking at budgets …… and work on bringing the game together for the people of Bundaberg. I understand why people get so frustrated because yes there is way too much politics in the game, from the local level to Australia wide.

I am all for Alex being in Brisbane. At least he has the balls to get out of this town. One of the best times I ever did was play in Brisbane and experience playing the game at other clubs home grounds and seeing different people every week. There was way more atmosphere and passion in Brisbane leagues then Bundaberg and I never ever got the stale feeling that I have now. Hugh and Nick nothing against you both but you only know Martens Oval. One day if you leave this town you may experience the difference of Bundaberg to other places.

Also I definitely wouldn’t dish Brisbane because at least they get to watch live sport (A- League Soccer & Rugby League) as well as being between two great beaches. Wait sorry you guys only know the Central Hotel as well!!

Lastly Alex you have a right to comment on the game in Bundaberg. Don’t let anyone stop you. That is the problem in this town especially the area of being quiet and putting up with everything wrong with the game. What a laugh. Anyway good luck Alex. Keep writing in with comments.

Eddie Johnson
29/08/07

Alex Brisbane, you always did manage to say the wrong thing over the internet. Stick to moo tai or whatever you softy's do down in Brisvegas. Ha ha

Hugh Gyngell
28/08/07

Alex keep what you have to say for Brisbane no one here wants to here it. you wouldn't have the first clue what's going on at Football Bundaberg.

Nick Martin
26/08/07

It’s still sad and frustrating to see that the clubs at Bundy soccer are still in turmoil and there is still useless bickering and rivalry over the most trivial of things. Hard to figure out why people can’t just put politics, their opinions and their egos aside and just go kick that little white ball around a grass pitch. It’s not rocket science as they say. I for one always tried to see the fun in soccer and try and enjoy myself but once that is gone there isn’t much to stay for.

Sounds like the admin is still doing a great job, Greg Bath was a great influence for Bundy soccer but maybe it’s time to put the actual game before annual budgets, board meetings, and official parking spaces. I was never one for pacifism but it certainly seems that soccer in Bundy is on a downward spiral to disaster if someone can’t come up with a solution to get 22 men/women onto a field, get them to play a game of soccer and then leave it on the field rather than coming off the field feeling overtly bitter, spreading rumours, sending in anonymous letters and to put it bluntly, stirring.

If I had a child rising the ranks of a Football Federation where the eventual outcome is slander, abuse and general discourteousness I would be greatly concerned. Anyway, hopefully something to ponder before ‘Anon’ or ‘Fan’ (if they are your real names) sends in another letter accusing a club of match fixing, poaching or simply just trying to assert some superficial dominance. Joga Bonito!

Alex Brisbane
25/08/07

Dear Anonymous,

I don't think you understood the points made in my email to Bob, please don't think that I am blaming him as he is only the messenger in this situation, As for me sending in reports, well I have only been here for 4 months and considering I was having a season off in '07 to have a rest I have found myself assisting a struggling club in coaching / FAO areas why ?? because I was brought up loving rugby league from the age of 6 yrs by my Mum & Dad who had involvement with a junior club in Penrith. If I had time which I may or may not have in the future I may well ask Bob if I can up-load some photo's and reports onto his web page as I constructed a web site for a new club in my ' sit back ' time last year and the prior 2 years, as well as coached. Also Rugby League in general has an upward positive growth of 10 % across most levels at present so I don't think your analysis is on the money', Also I think you need to brush up your history on where Rugby League is played world wide, If you go to the international rugby league site you will find many countries and province's participate in the sport.

And one last thing, please if you are going to write something and you want respect back, at least have the ' Ticker ' to put your name to it.

Yours in Rugby League
Lee Wilkinson.
23/08/07

Sorry to disappoint those in rugby league circles but it is not Bobs responsibility to 'promote' your game. I'm 100% certain that if yourself Lee would provide Bob with match reports as all other sports do then he would duly comply and post information on his website. Don't sit back and act like Mr Brisbane should be scrounging around doing the work of rugby league people and reporting. And besides the reason rugby league is dying is because its a sport played in 3 places world wide, the east coast of Australia, NZ and the UK. Follow a world sport and maybe it will survive. Thanks

Anonymous
22/08/07

One of the many reasons why Rugby League is having growth problems on the Fraser / Bundaberg Coast is because the 18's and reserves [ super 11's ] are not even mentioned in results or listed in game day programs by the division. Results should be highlighted on your web page and on game days in the program just the same as the A Grade as I have found a lot of disappointed players and parents who don't see anything in this regard.

All clubs should be encouraged to submit such reports and interest in league would rise substantially.
This is to name but one problem that needs consultation. I have personally built Clubs' from nothing and this area needs to lift it's approach to marketing a great product.

Yours in Rugby League
Lee Wilkinson
21/08/07

I have done all I can to foster Rugby League on this site, however no one in League circles seems interested in promoting their game via this medium.

Bob, you mention that the fallout from the abandoned junior game has resulted in people walking away from the game. Can you give us more details about what happened and who has quit?

“Interested Supporter”
21/08/07

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All you people who keep complaining about the referees should get out there and try it yourself. The referees do a good job considering the abuse they cop. It’s not like they are paid to cop that.

True fan
21/08/07

For the benefit of the gossip gallery who are obviously very concerned about the welfare of Diggers Football Club, (but funnily enough some are not concerned enough to use their real names, apparently), let me set the record straight about our player shortage at present. On the weekend we had 5 first division players unavailable through injury, work commitments, sickness and suspension, and another player who was to play but was sent off in the seconds game earlier in the day. It is untrue to say our seconds won’t step up because we have had 4 of last year’s seconds players playing in our firsts team on a regular basis this year. A further 3 players were approached to play firsts on Saturday, and would have played but for injury and work commitments. Our seconds team is struggling for numbers at the moment for similar reasons as our firsts, including I think 3 who are suspended and several others who are injured. Other clubs are facing similar difficulties.

And for the benefit of those who don’t let the facts get in the way of a good rumour, our firsts players were prevented from playing in the second division team against BHU in the FBI Cup game last week by a ruling by Football Bundaberg and not the club. It just so happens the club agreed with this decision anyway as we believed that to allow our firsts to play after having forfeited their match a fortnight earlier would have been against the spirit of the game.

As for the comment about flooding our defence, that sort of ignorance about soccer doesn’t deserve comment.

Anyone with questions about any other internal club matter, not that it is any of your business if you are not a member, should talk to our President Andrew Halpin who is very approachable, and who would be able to give you balanced, factual information rather than the moaning of some disaffected individuals with a personal axe to grind.

Lynn Hodgkinson
Diggers Football Club
05/08/07

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I don't see how playing with 3 people in defence could be considered flooding, rarely did any of the Diggers midfielders retreat into the backline to stack the defence and there were also more goal scoring opportunities created by Diggers to go along with a big chunk of possession that we held, so I see your opinion of the game to be a bit wide of the mark and a bit one-sided.

Considering Diggers played the whole game a player down, and two players down for about 10 minutes, and North Bundy played close to 60 minutes with a player down, I think both teams should be commended for the efforts they put into the match. While it was not a game of the highest quality and the mistakes started to flow towards the end of the match, it was a game of high intensity and played with plenty of passion and I doubt there were many players who walked off the park with much left in the tank.

Personally I think it was one of the toughest, most enjoyable, and one of the more memorable games that I have been involved in all year, and I'm happy with the fierce rivalry that has developed between the two teams this year.

Craig Dewar
05/08/07

Bob,

I have read your comment in one of your match reviews about Sam Simpson missing out on Wide Bay. I couldn't agree more that he was unfortunate, but what about the rest of the players who missed out. Lucas Reed, Jason Chapman, Ben Mathison, Simon Kelly and Craig Dewar all missed out despite easily outplaying there opposition. I think overall the selections were rubbish and Dean May should have paid more attention to the games and not just the Gympie people.

Nick Martin
05/08/07

A comment on how pitiful it was last night to see Diggers flood their defence all game last night, I know people in your lower divisions don't want to step up, it was a very sad sight.

from the stands
05/08/07

Bob,
In regards to the incident where the player swore on the field in the game on Tuesday nite, I think you have to look at the circumstances in which it happened. It was a tackle that was late and from behind and the player who was tackled was simply taken out, he did swear as he went down, I will admit that but I think the whole thing with the other incidents have no bearing on why the player on Tuesday nite was not sent off. It was a bad challenge with no card given to the player who tackled the player late.

Where as for the incidents with the North's players, they were given cards for challenges and went on whinging to the ref and then swore at the ref, or swore while walking away from the ref ,which is different to swearing at yourself, or swearing because you have been taken out by a player from the opposition. He wasn't directing it at anyone whereas the North's player were. I personally think the consistency of the refs in Bundaberg is appalling, one week you can get a yellow card or no card at all for a tackle, then the next week you may be sent of. I think the refs need to have guidelines that they keep to so things don't get out of hand like they have been of late.

I personally think Bundaberg soccer is getting soft and there are players playing to that. lf there can not be hard games where two team battle it out on the field in a fair manner then why call it 1st div Mens. As a player and a spectator I would like to see something done with the standard of the refs in Bundy, with a bit more consistency the game can be played hard and fair as long as the ref handles the problems when they arise. I think the problem is the refs give cards for things when just a talk to the player is needed, and when a card is needed they don't give it out, that's why the players go off at the ref - it's hard to play a game when it is a physical match and the ref pulls up little things and then lets go things that should be pulled up. It's frustrating to play like that and under those circumstances, and I think the North's v Waves Game on Tuesday nite was a good indication on the point I am trying to get across.

Confused Player
25/07/07

Bob,
In regards to your "that old inconsistency argument" story, North Bundaberg are not the only ones getting it off harsh. I was given a 4 match suspension for a bit of push n shove which should have been a yellow card then on my return game I was handed a 6 month suspension for a load of crap. If referees gave out cards for continuous whingeing I think Norths would be a lot worse off.

Nick Martin
25/07/07

Morning Bob, just thought I would let people know through your website about the theft from the refs shed sometime yesterday. The thief/s had a bit of time, as bags and clothes were gone through looking for money. This leaves a very bitter taste in ones mouth when you think about the consequences of this. There is nothing worse than the feeling left after someone has gone through your personal items. Was it a soccer person or someone who came in off the street? We all need to be extra careful and try and help find who has done this.

Thanks
Lee-Anne
22/07/07

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What's the deal with people not showing their ID at the gate? Its a shame that when we pull people up there are those select few

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