The differences in the way American Football and Association Football (soccer) are run never ceases to amaze me.
One shares its resources out reasonably equally amongst all the clubs and does its best to try and create a league where all teams are competitive. The other is a financial free for all where the amount of money you have is the predominating factor in success.
What always surprises me is that the American version adopts, what is to me, the "fairest" system and the best for the public.
Under the American system a rich owner and a big fashionable team will not guarantee you success. For instance away teams get 34% of all gate revenue from away games. The team finishing bottom in a season gets the first choice of the new college talent the next season. The NFL insists that the TV rights go to where everyone can see the games. As one NFL owner put it if the kids can't see their heroes play they won't be inspired to play ( I wonder if the ECB paid attention to this? of course not). This means that, in theory, all clubs are in with a chance with success.
In "our" game your chances of success are determined by one factor, money. If you don't have a good youth policy that's ok get your cheque book out. Team struggling? wave your cheque book. Wages alone can amount to 70% of revenue. We sell TV rights to the highest bidder and it doesn't matter who can or cannot watch.
All players, coaches and Managers MUST make themselves available. No hissy fits allowed here.
To my mind the Americans have got it right.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
And here I thought you all had it right. I mean, we kind of cheat here (Pats, no disrespect...but come on).
I hate admitting you've got a point, although there is a certain black humour/pleasure to be had from supporting a team you know will never win anything, do anything, cause even the faintest of ripples (in my case Wolves). I despise the Premiership and am delighted my brave boys in gold are staging the annual fight against promotion.
However, I do love the tradition which (MK Dons notwithstanding) beats through the heart of the English and Scottish game.
i agree with this
Post a Comment