Chris RubickJARRAD MADE US WAIT… OR DID HE?
April 27th 2008 11:47
According to SEN broadcaster and rule committee man Kevin Bartlett, umpire Ray Chamberlain penalised Carlton’s Jarrad Waite for time wasting, or ‘delaying the game’, when he punched the ball after it had crossed the goal line from the boot of Adelaide’s Bernie Vince on Saturday.
Bartlett defended the decision on radio today citing that the rule of time wasting needs to be applied all over the ground no matter what the circumstances. And yes, we do not want to see players punching, throwing or kicking the ball into the crowd each time it crosses the boundary.
However, Bartlett’s key argument that Waite ‘delayed the game’, should be questioned on three counts:
First, extra balls are provided in conveniently placed bags behind the goals. These balls are regularly used when a behind is scored. Why can’t they be used after a goal? In fact, has anyone seen them used after a goal? If not, then why not?
Second, our game has a long history of players celebrating a goal from point blank range by kicking it miles into the crowd. Same result as Waite’s punch but we wouldn’t dream of penalising the goal kicker.
Finally and most importantly, after every goal, no matter where the ball ends up, every man, woman and child is at the mercy of the bright flashing light. Players, umpires and fans alike are left to wait until the higher being of 7, 10 or Fox are ready.
Waite’s action was childish but it did not delay the game, nor did it deserve the penalty it received. The time wasting of the networks after a goal can last anywhere between 40 to 50 seconds and that’s time none of us can get back. I wonder if umpire Chamberlain would like his time all over again… I think not!
Bartlett defended the decision on radio today citing that the rule of time wasting needs to be applied all over the ground no matter what the circumstances. And yes, we do not want to see players punching, throwing or kicking the ball into the crowd each time it crosses the boundary.
However, Bartlett’s key argument that Waite ‘delayed the game’, should be questioned on three counts:
First, extra balls are provided in conveniently placed bags behind the goals. These balls are regularly used when a behind is scored. Why can’t they be used after a goal? In fact, has anyone seen them used after a goal? If not, then why not?
Second, our game has a long history of players celebrating a goal from point blank range by kicking it miles into the crowd. Same result as Waite’s punch but we wouldn’t dream of penalising the goal kicker.
Finally and most importantly, after every goal, no matter where the ball ends up, every man, woman and child is at the mercy of the bright flashing light. Players, umpires and fans alike are left to wait until the higher being of 7, 10 or Fox are ready.
Waite’s action was childish but it did not delay the game, nor did it deserve the penalty it received. The time wasting of the networks after a goal can last anywhere between 40 to 50 seconds and that’s time none of us can get back. I wonder if umpire Chamberlain would like his time all over again… I think not!
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