A few questions

[Spinking]

Good stuff Zip, hope this helps!

1. What is your opinion on the role of women in the AFL and its community? (so this includes media, participation in the non-professional leagues such as juniors etc.)

No problems at all, but I don't like tokenism in official roles like the media, administration and umpiring. If a woman is in a role because of her knowledge, skills and experience then I'm all for it.

In regards to community footy I spend my Saturdays at Auskick and Junior footy with my kids, and quite frankly they would struggle to operate without mums pitching in to help out.

2. What is your view on female umpires, in general and as compared to male umpires?

As above, no issues provided they are able to competitively perform at the same level as a male. I think this oesnt happen as much due to the high physical demand, but more so the emotional pressure and scrutiny given to the umps.

3. If your club was to hire a female head coach, what would your reaction be, and why?

I would only have a problem in that she won't have played the game. I do think it would draw extra scrutiny though - bit like how J Gillard draws scrutiny about certain things that male contemporaries don't.

4. If your club was to instate a female president, what would your reaction be, and why?

Absolutely no issue, provided she has he skills to do the job.

5. What is your opinion on the integration of women into the AFL (to clarify, in a hypothetical scenario where women who are good enough are allowed to play at the elite level, in the same competition as men)

I'm ok with this provided the women in question would be prepared to accept completely equal physical expectations, including the 'biff'. I'd be against it if blokes started tackling, or pressuring differently because it was a woman involved.

6. Have you ever watched a game of Women's Australian Football? If so, how often would you say you watch it?
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women's_Australian_rules_football)

Nope. Obviously doesn't get much coverage.

7. If Women's Australian Football became a professional competition, would you watch it?

Probably occasionally. Would possibly see it a bit like the VFL. Something to watch when there isn't an AFL game on...

8. Do you see a lack of female participation at the elite organisational level (coaches, presidents, umpires) as a reflection of gendered attitudes in Australian Rules Football? And if so, what attitudes do you think they represent?

To an extent. I think that there is some stereotyping that prevents women from getting to that level, but I'd suggest a lot of that is based on physical limitations.

9. Do you see attitudes of sexism as prevalent in Australian Rules Football?

Um... I think there is probably a degree of this, but I think most people just love footy for what it is, rather that who plays or administrated it. I think history is probably what causes the sexism, rather that bad will.

[Ziplock]

cheers spink :)

[Noz]

1. What is your opinion on the role of women in the AFL and its community? (so this includes media, participation in the non-professional leagues such as juniors etc.)

I don't mind it at all, I mean for over 150 years the sport has been dominated by males and over the past 5-10 years the females have been given such big roles as commentators and umpires and voicing their opinion either through a television screen or on paper, Many wouldn't like it because its something different. "What would a women know about a sport thats only played by men" I have seen some of the women play and they are a lot tougher than some AFL players

2. What is your view on female umpires, in general and as compared to male umpires?

No opinion at all women have a right to make umpiring their profession and deserve to be treated like any other umpire. Good to see some variety in the umpiring roles

3. If your club was to hire a female head coach, what would your reaction be, and why?

Certinalty something different but if she brings fresh ideas to the club and has an idea on what she is doing i don't see anything wrong with it, We have a female prime minster why not a coach

4. If your club was to instate a female president, what would your reaction be, and why?


No problem at all would be very interesting to see the ideas she would bring to the club


5. What is your opinion on the integration of women into the AFL (to clarify, in a hypothetical scenario where women who are good enough are allowed to play at the elite level, in the same competition as men)

Sure it would be good to see and will bring more people to the ground to see how good these women are after a certain point surely their bodies will struggle to pull up week after week against the bigger bodies. I however don't see a problem with having a more public womens league similar to the AFL.



6. Have you ever watched a game of Women's Australian Football? If so, how often would you say you watch it?
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women's_Australian_rules_football)


I have and cannot wait for the Melbourne Vs Bulldogs womens match in a couple of weeks really looking forward to seeing the skills these women have. Some women can really play


7. If Women's Australian Football became a professional competition, would you watch it?


I would probably watch a game or two every week but wouldn't pay much notice to it as much as the real AFL.




8. Do you see a lack of female participation at the elite organisational level (coaches, presidents, umpires) as a reflection of gendered attitudes in Australian Rules Football? And if so, what attitudes do you think they represent?


Wind the clock back 10 years and women in football was as uncommon as eating a banana in a mens locker room at a gym now a days we have female sports reporters, commentators, runners, female football staff it is certainly on the rise and i feel in the next 5 years we will continue to see the development of females in the AFL world.




9. Do you see attitudes of sexism as prevalent in Australian Rules Football?


Not at all like i previously stated 10 years ago you would say no as the AFL would deny letting women play a vital role in the week to week matches but i have seen that develop over the years and the now these quite a number of females in the football world such as Christie Malthouse, Caroline Wilson and Sam Lane they have lead the way for women in the AFL for years to come.

[TeeJay]

1. What is your opinion on the role of women in the AFL and its community? (so this includes media, participation in the non-professional leagues such as juniors etc.)
I have no issue with women playing certain roles in the AFL community.
I think at juniour and non professional level where people are not paid for their time and effort, anyone that puts their hand up to help out deserves a pat on the back. Local football leagues are only possible due to volunteers and plenty of them are women so good on them.
At professional level I must admit I tend to get irritated by the female commentators however that could be more due to the ones that are around being very opinionated and controversial. There are plenty of male commentators I dont like as well.


2. What is your view on female umpires, in general and as compared to male umpires?
Thinking back to when I played football I never had an issue with it. The regular female umpires I had were both very good umpires.
In the AFL there is obviously only one female umpire and as she was selected to goal umpire the grand final last season she must be doing a good job. I wouldnt have an issue with more female umpires being introduced.



3. If your club was to hire a female head coach, what would your reaction be, and why?
Hard to imagine but if they had done the time as an assistant coach under a successful AFL head coach and club through a successful era as well as coming across as a highly motivated and focused person with a clear plan then it really wouldnt bother me. I guess I would want to know that they had been picked because they were the best person for the job and not just because of the novelty of it being the first female coach of an AFL side



4. If your club was to instate a female president, what would your reaction be, and why?
Similar to the response I gave above.
If they were the right person for the job then so be it. Presidency isnt given to anyone. You generally have to be a successful and highly motivated individual with an impressive resume. It is also a non paying job so if the person was that dedicated and was the best fit for the job then it wouldnt matter to me if they were male or female



5. What is your opinion on the integration of women into the AFL (to clarify, in a hypothetical scenario where women who are good enough are allowed to play at the elite level, in the same competition as men)
This I just dont agree with. Off the top of my head there are no professional sports where men and women share the same playing field (Mixed doubles tennis I know, but come on, who takes that seriously?)
AFL is a very physical high intensity game. There may be a one in a million woman than has the skill, endurance, and determination of an elite AFL player but the physical side of the game cannot be ignored. It would put everyone in an awkward position. Is Jonothan Brown expected to go a little easier when he has the chance to clean her up with a hip and shoulder? I remember the odd girl in some teams in junior footy and I hated it. Everyone would sort of half tackle her or deliberately let her run past. It was just awkward. Big NO on that one



6. Have you ever watched a game of Women's Australian Football? If so, how often would you say you watch it?
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women's_Australian_rules_football)
Maybe once and I have seen highlights of a few games before. I dont have much of an interest to be honest



7. If Women's Australian Football became a professional competition, would you watch it?
I really doubt it. I find it hard to watch even the VFL as it just doesnt build any emotion in me. When watching AFL, it doesnt matter who is playing I will always find myself barracking for a team for whatever reason like they are my own. I dont get this from any other leagues so i think I would watch bits and pieces but thats about all




8. Do you see a lack of female participation at the elite organisational level (coaches, presidents, umpires) as a reflection of gendered attitudes in Australian Rules Football? And if so, what attitudes do you think they represent?
No, not necesarilly. I think you would just find that there are a lot more men interested in taking these positions.
The AFL have shown that they are willing to take on board a female umpire if they are the right person for the job. When 99% of the people wanting a job as an AFL umpire are men though then the chances are the best person for the job is going to be a man. In fact I would go as far as to say the AFL would probably love to have more female umpires if they could find them.



9. Do you see attitudes of sexism as prevalent in Australian Rules Football?
If by this you are talking about in the hiring of people for jobs within AFL clubs then no I dont. I think the jobs are there for the best people to fill weather that be a male or female. A vast majority of men want the jobs so a vast majority of men get the jobs.
Amongst the general football public I think sexism is probably prevalent. We just dont hear of it as there arent any women out their to be criticised in that way. I can only imagine some of the comments that would fly around workplaces, pubs and stadiums if a woman was to run onto the field.
We havent even moved passed racist comments being hurled over the fence despite aboriginal people having been a major part of the game for decades. The fat cats of the AFL watch the games from behind glass on the second level while fine dining. They dont hear the comments made from the bottom level in the cheersquad and on the factory floor at a workplace. Unfortunately as a society there is still a lot of racism, homophobia and indeed sexism.

[Ziplock]

thanks noz, teejay :)

ftr teejag, there aren't a lot of mixed sports, but they include
tennis, badmition, gloorball, curling, underwater hockey, ultimate frisbee and korfball (which is actually the only 100% mixed sport).

there's also occasionally mixed boxing exhibition matches (although they're mostly staged)

and also, one in a million women who were able to compete at the afl level would be around 30 women drafted in the competition (or about 5% of players), just saying :P

[Ziplock]

if anyone else is willing to chuck in their 2c, that'd be sweet :)

[Ringo]

As an aside Zip Australian Womens AFL Championship coming up in Cairns. may add a little bit to your research.

[Ziplock]

thanks ringo :)

[Ziplock]

I'd be interested to see the stats for that...

#checkoutthedtpoints

[Ringo]

http://www.aflq.com.au/index.php?id=440

For your info Zip a fair bit about womens afl mainly in Qld though.  Will see what i can find regarding stats for the championships which start next Monday.

[j959]

my responses:

1. What is your opinion on the role of women in the AFL and its community? (so this includes media, participation in the non-professional leagues such as juniors etc.)
- generally I think this is positive that you need strong female participation in AFL at as many levels as possible - anytime a cross-section of society excludes a minority group you're goin to get some issues so there is strength in tolerance and acceptance.

eg Australian Defence Force is having some issues right at the moment but they have to address them and open up their male-dominated domain or the organisation will be that much the poorer in the long-term.


2. What is your view on female umpires, in general and as compared to male umpires?
- Chelsea Roffey is the aspirational ideal - you don't even notice her really as she is that good at her job and her gender is not generally raised as an issue apart from AFL promotion of women in the sport - ie on gameday you don't mark her out against the men in my opinion and that's where women in AFL i think should strive to get to, a point where their gender isn't even an issue


3. If your club was to hire a female head coach, what would your reaction be, and why?
- see comments above - if they can do the job, gender should not be an issue


4. If your club was to instate a female president, what would your reaction be, and why?
- again, see above


5. What is your opinion on the integration of women into the AFL (to clarify, in a hypothetical scenario where women who are good enough are allowed to play at the elite level, in the same competition as men)
- women and men will not play together at the elite level purely on physiological difference - hasn't happened in elite sport anywhere where physical attributes mean a significant difference in performance.


6. Have you ever watched a game of Women's Australian Football? If so, how often would you say you watch it?
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women's_Australian_rules_football)
- no as it's not generally televised at the moment


7. If Women's Australian Football became a professional competition, would you watch it?
- for sure. I already watch women's A-League, WNBL, WNBA and netball - if you're a sports lover you just watch sport imo
i would certainly do women's based SC/DT that's for sure!  ;)


8. Do you see a lack of female participation at the elite organisational level (coaches, presidents, umpires) as a reflection of gendered attitudes in Australian Rules Football? And if so, what attitudes do you think they represent?
- not so much, i would say it is a reflection of question 5 above where women are not able to play at the elite level so they are going to be at a competitive disadvantage when going for higher level AFL jobs such as coaching.


9. Do you see attitudes of sexism as prevalent in Australian Rules Football?
- yes, but sometimes it is difficult to separate individual issues from those of gender
eg Caroline Wilson - sometimes I respect her views but at other times she's just being 'sensationalist' for sake of selling a 'story'
eg Kelli Underwood - she just couldn't commentate, nothing to do with her gender in my opinion - she was not engaging and just didn't add anything in commentary unfortunately
eg Chelsea Roffey - see comments above, ie you don't generally notice her and her gender is not an issue cos she just gets the job done
eg Sam Lane - as a commentator she knows her stuff so her peers and people generally respect her views


Other useful stuff Zippy ...

check out this link to this Victorian Women's Trust initiative ... http://www.vwt.org.au/initiatives-26-128.html

in particular I would recommend Dr Jackson Katz's articles "Why Gender Violence is not a women's issue" and "Men's Invisibility in the Violence Discourse" as good starting points (only 3-4 pages each and very succinct and to the point imo) for your gender studies generally though i acknowledge that they are predominantly based on men's violence against women and family and domestic violence but still a good start point for further research if you're interested for your topic.

Good luck with your paper,
jas

[Ziplock]

thanks jas :)


these responses have been really helpful, as I said, there's minimal research on women in specific relation to AFL, so it's really appreciated to hear everyone's views :)

[nrich102]

 1. What is your opinion on the role of women in the AFL and its community? (so this includes media, participation in the non-professional leagues such as juniors etc.)
- I think that what women are involved in, they do well. I think that female journalists do the job just as well as males (If not better)


2. What is your view on female umpires, in general and as compared to male umpires?
- As long as they do the umpiring well, I don't care what gender they are.


3. If your club was to hire a female head coach, what would your reaction be, and why?
- I wouldn't really care, as long as they did the job better than Voss :P


4. If your club was to instate a female president, what would your reaction be, and why?
- Again, I wouldn't really care, as long as she keeps the club in a good financial position.


5. What is your opinion on the integration of women into the AFL (to clarify, in a hypothetical scenario where women who are good enough are allowed to play at the elite level, in the same competition as men)
- I don't really like it. I don't think it will work. The only sport I've ever seen this done in is tennis, with the mixed doubles. I do not think it will work.


6. Have you ever watched a game of Women's Australian Football? If so, how often would you say you watch it?
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women's_Australian_rules_football)
- I haven't, mainly cause it isn't on TV. However with the National Championships coming up here to Cairns, I think I will find myself going to some games.


7. If Women's Australian Football became a professional competition, would you watch it?
- Yes. The more footy the better.



8. Do you see a lack of female participation at the elite organisational level (coaches, presidents, umpires) as a reflection of gendered attitudes in Australian Rules Football? And if so, what attitudes do you think they represent?


9. Do you see attitudes of sexism as prevalent in Australian Rules Football?
- Yes, however sometimes just saying something say Caroline Wilson said was junk, may get called sexism by some one else.

[Ziplock]

thanks heaps :)

anyone else up for it?

remember, you can pm me your responses if you want to remain anonymous (I'll have to post them here though, just won't use your name) :P

[Ziplock]

From another anon

1. What is your opinion on the role of women in the AFL and its community? (so this includes media, participation in the non-professional leagues such as juniors etc.)
Same as the male role, playing, officiating, participating in any way they would like to and feel comfortable.


2. What is your view on female umpires, in general and as compared to male umpires?
Having worked with them, if they are able to do their job to the required standard I have no issues.


3. If your club was to hire a female head coach, what would your reaction be, and why?
If her credentials matched the role it would be fine. If she can do the job and command respect then it is okay, I would struggle to see a time in the next decade where a women with the same level of exerpaince is able to step up. In the long term there is any number of possibilities.


4. If your club was to instate a female president, what would your reaction be, and why?
Fine, women are capable, it comes down to performance not initial reactions.


5. What is your opinion on the integration of women into the AFL (to clarify, in a hypothetical scenario where women who are good enough are allowed to play at the elite level, in the same competition as men)
Fine again, in the situation they are at the same level.


6. Have you ever watched a game of Women's Australian Football? If so, how often would you say you watch it?
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women's_Australian_rules_football)
No, never.


7. If Women's Australian Football became a professional competition, would you watch it?
No.




8. Do you see a lack of female participation at the elite organisational level (coaches, presidents, umpires) as a reflection of gendered attitudes in Australian Rules Football? And if so, what attitudes do you think they represent?
No, I think it represents the passion shown by men, and also the common societal expectations of roles.




9. Do you see attitudes of sexism as prevalent in Australian Rules Football?
Nope, because there is never really talk about female issues, so maybe hidden but not a massively prevalent issue.