- Apr 1, 2008
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Wow! A lot of assumptions in there.I don't know whether these ideas would work or not but I can't agree that people are anticipating problems that don't exist. Playing unders on a Saturday night isn't that straight forward. Clubs rely fairly extensively on both bar sales and functions to raise cash, both would have to take a huge hit. I can't imagine it being an ideal environment to have spectators inside drinking at the bar whilst unders are running around. Like it or not there are blokes that like to go to the footy on a sat arvo and enjoy a few refreshments, more than anything local footy is a social event that brings people together within the community. To me it would seem unrealistic to discourage grog sales on a sat arvo due to juniors being played every sat night based purely on the fact that clubs bottom lines would be too greatly affected.Most clubs I would have thought don't have a liquor license to serve outside after prob 5pm and would want, encourage bar sales after the main game. That mixed with the fact that like it or not people aren't going up to the footy on a sat arvo to watch the under 18 game, that's just a fact. Another issue has to be the weather/climate we find ourselves in. I guarantee I'm not the only one that has run out after half time of the senior game up at olinda and it has been arctic with visibility poor, now thats at 3:30, imagine it at 6:30/7 with another 45 mins of footy to go.I would suggest that %75 of venues in the valley just aren't in a great spot for night footy in the winter months.
I can see that the leagues/clubs issues with under 18's footy are slowly creeping to crisis point and that options need to be discussed but night footy in my opinion creates a burden on clubs that is unnecessary.
Only my opinion though.
Who said that the bar would have to close?
Who said patrons will be inside? That is not the case when a game is on! Why would it suddenly change for an U18 match?
There is no real problem with having a bar operating while U18's are playing. If it was U16's or any DRJFL teams, I can understand the concern, but...
The bar still operates at all the local YVMDFL finals when U18's are playing, so why the sudden wowserism for during the year? Spectators don't turn their back to the play when they have a beer. They actually watch the game outside and drink as well. Multi-taskers, our footy fans.
The liquor licences are pretty much standard for all clubs. Apart from Booth Licences, alcohol can't be SERVED outside of the licenced premises. Where it is consumed is delineated in the licence. Check it with your club.
Yes. It IS a community sport. The clubs would be more likely to have spectators stay around and the U18's are more likely to feel part of that community when they have spectators actually watching them! That doesn't happen now because the games are basically held too early. A lot of people work Sat mornings and don't get to the games - to watch or play! Most club supporters hardly know who the U18 kids are! Night games puts the kids right in their vision. Good for the family feel at the club.
Again, let's give it a try first and make adjustments when the real issues arise. As you state, it is just your opinion about night footy. Trial it so that "opinions" can be tested.