Fair Play

Before I fall into the trap of chronicling all the injustices & negative aspects of the game of football, (as seen by The Camera Eye), I think it’s important to balance all of that, with some of the positives and the rewarding side.

So… let me state categorically…  Not all of the parents are ugly self-centered ego maniacs. In fact, 91% seem to be just Mums & Dads that want their child to do well. My microphone picks up quite a lot of the good-natured chatter, calls of encouragement and applause that originates from their direction. Of course they are partisan, and (at times) blindly one-eyed when calling out “off-side!”, but there is nothing wrong with that in my opinion.

I’d also like to specially thank the woman that bought me a cappuccino and then simply disappeared again without even waiting for my thanks.  And also the guy that bought me the souvlaki while I was perched up on the narrow scoreboard at the Oakleigh Cannons ground.

Often, the admin & team-managers are Mums and Dads, typically identified by their harassed look. With few exceptions, their good intentions outweigh their occasional hysterical fits when it is discovered their team doesn’t have the correct colored socks! I do not envy them, (particularly when they have travelled from country Victoria and the game is scheduled to start within the next 15 minutes). You could maybe call them ‘The MacGyver’s of Football’.

Fair Play takes various forms. Clearly, spontaneous on-field good-sporting behavior is the one that most readily puts a smile on your face. I have only published a couple of these on youtube, but there were more that I have neglected… Interestingly, George Lambadaridis made his A-League debut for Brisbane Roar only last week, but here is a clip (from 2009) that illustrates fair play.

The Camera Eye sees what it sees through the lens of the camera. The peripheral world beyond it isn’t recorded. Both the shot-gun & omni microphones are professional, so they pick up a lot that isn’t  discernable to the naked ear. I do attempt to warn spectators of that fact.

I am often asked for an instant replay, ie: “Was it handball?” “Off-side?” “Did it cross the goal line?” “Linesman, the throw goes the other way!”… “Show the Ref there are 2 sides playing!” is a common call. Following the game with a camera as I do, I naturally become a spectator to not only the game itself, but to the spectators themselves.

I try to see my position as impartial. I am a mere documenter of the event. When I was filming a match that included my son, even he suffered from that. When re-viewing the match and creating/editing the highlights package, I have a strict guideline I adhere to. Only the best play is used. No favorites. Both sides are handled equally. Any of the highlight packages will prove that.

What do I think of the Referees? (that is a separate blog, but generally speaking they do what they can)

The FFV & FFA? … Not all are autocrats.

Coaches? Quite a variation there. Good intentioned I have no doubt. (Perhaps another separate blog?) I will venture to comment however, that some have managed to impress me, while some others have raised the incredibly pertinent question in reference to their’ (what is the best word, how do I say it?)… wisdom? (Also noting that the Camera Eye does record pretty much all that goes on)

More on fair play… I do like the introduction of the organized team line-up and the shaking of hands (notably topical in light of the Suraez - Evra Handshake controversy).

And what of the players then? 99.99% are fantastic! I can say with honesty and include players from 5 to 36 year old, that it is an absolute rarity to come across someone that is (or could be called) a bad egg. Admittedly, there are degrees… as there are some that are more prone to forgetting themselves in the heat-of-the moment, than others.

Yep, from A Camera Eye, it’s enjoyable to watch a great play unfold, even if it doesn’t result in a goal. I see a lot of good football being played.