Came across this story on the Ballarat Football League this morning: http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/sport/athletics/trialbyvideo-arr...
I won't post the whole article, people can go and read it if they choose. But it shows just how far behind the VFL is when it comes to using technology. It must be priority #1 for Schwab and Hook to take a step forward and promote the competition.
Basically the key things in the article...
"this year's BFL interleague clash, on May 22, and grand final day will be streamed live to the new website, allowing supporters anywhere in the world to log on and view the action".
What a bold step forward. Why can't the VFL explore the possibility of some online streaming of VFL matches?? NorthPort has done it - at his own expenses - in previous years.
"This [the match vision] will allow the league to set up a weekly BFL footy show, which will be recorded on Tuesdays and available on the website on Wednesdays. The show will feature panel members and special guests, who will recap the previous week's matches and take a look at the fixtures ahead."
Brilliant. How hard can it be? The Western Region, Eastern and Essendon leagues have been doing such website programs for years. Yet the premier competition (well, thats what Hook claims it to be) has nothing of the sort.
"BFL players, sponsors and registered partners will be kept up to date with match results via SMS this season. In a new deal with Red TxT, messages containing final BFL scores and an updated ladder will be sent direct to mobile phones about 6pm on Saturday nights. The service is free of charge to the league and recipients".
Why can't the VFL explore something similar? Sounds like a good service to me. I'd sign up.
AFL Victoria have shown a total incomptence when it comes to marketing, promoting and administering the VFL competition. I see in Paul Amy's column today that they sacked Jennifer Pryor last week, so hopefully whoever they find to replace her brings in some 21st century ideas...although given the "jobs for the boys" flavour at HQ's it'll probably go to someone well past their use by date. A bit like Schwab and Hook really.
