Rob's Blog

Breaking the Wave

January 20th, 2007 · Grand Slam Tennis, Spectators, Tennis

Yesterday at the Australian Tennis Open we were witnesses to a Mexican Wave out on one of the smaller courts. An audience wave can come around pretty quickly in a small tennis stadium. They also had a double wave going, the wave going in alternate directions and seemingly passing through each other – I had not seen that before. I have also heard of crowds coming up with combinations, changing speed, and bouncing back in the direction it came.

A few stadiums are discussing the option of stopping audiences from making the wave, as it is considered dangerous. Although this wave at the tennis was just a ripple as far as waves go, I would have to agree that they can be dangerous when people start throwing objects and drinks as the wave passes, and it can be distracting if you are trying to watch a game being played.

mexico city aztec stadium — The home of the Mexican wave? Mexico City Aztec stadium

If they can control it so that waves are only done during breaks in the games, and stop people from dangerous throwing of objects.

It may be easier said than done, as a log day at the cricket or tennis, after a few beers, people will think they can get away with whatever they want.

Related Pages: Australian Open, Grand Slam Tennis, About Tennis

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A Day at the Open

January 19th, 2007 · Grand Slam Tennis, Tennis

I planned a nice day today at the Australian Open, avoiding the forecast of very hot weather mid-week. However, today the weather has gone too far the other way, and drizzling rain set in for the day.

After some days where the heat policy was put into play, it was now the turn of the wet weather policy to have an effect. Luckily our day ground pass tickets allowed entry to the Vodafone Arena, with its roof closed to the rain.

We could see on the scoreboard that no play was taking place on the outside courts, so we settled in to watch a few games under shelter. There was a strong French theme providing the entertainment: Amelie Mauresmo, Gael Monfils and Richard Gasquet.

At the end of the day, the clouds cleared for a short time for us to explore the outer courts and set down to watch the Australian crowd favourite, Wayne Arthurs. The crowd was very excited about the prospect of watching one of the few Aussies left in the draw, however, a misdirected pain-killing injection prior to the match turned his leg numb, and he had to hobble off the court and withdraw only after a couple of games.

It was not the day we expected, but nevertheless very entertaining.

Related Pages: Australian Open, Grand Slam Tennis, Tennis

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First Day Violence

January 15th, 2007 · Grand Slam Tennis, Tennis

On the first day at the Australian Open, there was lots of action and excitement, but unfortunately, a lot of that took place off the court.

Melbourne is a very multicultural city, with many Australians having European ancestry, including Croats and Serbs. There has been a long history of animosity between Serbs and Croats back home in Croatia, but not here. I don’t know all the details, but some youths from these groups had an altercation in the crowd resulting in them being ejected. These guys have mostly grown up in Australia, so they must have learnt this hatred from their parents.

It is embarrassing that these images were broadcast around the world – they are painting a bad image of Australia for the world audience, one that is essentially untrue. They have obviously not embraced the spirit of Australia.

The Australian Open has a history of the Swedes being very vocal and colourful, and they have added a unique flavour to this ‘friendly’ tournament. There has never been a serious complaint about their behaviour.

The authorities are going to increase security at the tennis from now on, but the tennis supporters don’t want to see a stop to people dressing up, chanting and showing support for their country or parent’s country.

Related Pages: Australian Open, Grand Slam Tennis, Tennis

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Cricket Slog Fest

January 13th, 2007 · Cricket

Twenty-Twenty

Last night the Victorian Bushrangers took on the Tasmanian Tigers in the domestic cricket twenty20 final. We took the tram to the ground to take advantage of the free entry into the MCG with a MetCard. I donâ€™t know why, but we made our way to the same spot we were in for the Australian game last night. This was my first live experience of a Twenty20 match. The first thing I noticed was that the boundary rope was set an extra 20 metres or so further inside the normal position. Why do they need to make it easier to score boundaries? It was a slog fest, as these games are expected to be, and although Tasmania did not make a huge score, it was a close and exciting finish. I like twenty20, but I wouldn’t go to watch skilful play. I would prefer to watch a Test or one day game, which takes the time for a player to show his skill and develop a game plan.

Related Pages: Cricket, Twenty20, MCG

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Cricket Fun Police

January 12th, 2007 · Cricket, Spectators

My wife and I went to watch Australia versus England in the first one-day match of the current series, played at the MCG. We thought we were lucky to find some of the last remaining seats amongst the crowd on the bottom level, hoping to enjoy a few rays of sunshine. Mistakenly, we had sat in the old Bay 13 section, where all rowdy supporters were seated.

The first thing we noticed was a large security and police presence. On the scoreboard, they listed unacceptable behaviour, but I did not read it as it was such a long list! I soon found out some of what was on the list, as people around us, one by one, were kicked out of the ground for breaking the rules.

One of the biggest problems was throwing beach balls. At first, I thought that they were being a bit heavy-handed – what damage can a beach ball do? After my wife was covered with spilled beer and such five times from guys jumping up to hit the balls, I joined the anti-beach ball club.

We also saw around us people who had brought in alcohol, were smoking, and even one guy threw a tennis ball at a player fielding on the boundary, hitting him in the back. All these people were promptly sent home.

To finish it off, in the last overs someone ran onto the field, not quite with all his gear off, and would have found himself given a $6000 fine. An expensive day at the cricket. All-in-all we heard that over 100 people were ejected from the stadium.

What about the cricket? Well, after the break we moved to the quieter upper level and were actually able to watch some of the game. Australia won as expected.

Related Pages: Cricket, MCG

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Is Surfing a Sport?

December 11th, 2006 · Sport

Is surfing a real sport? A poll on my local sports radio station had 17% of callers saying it wasn’t a sport. I had never questioned it, as I have seen the effort and skill that goes into surfing, and I have an understanding of the rules of competition.

When someone is going down to the beach each day for their early morning surf, or anywhere in the world for that matter, no one is calling it a sport, just like someone going for a jog is not participating in a sport. An activity can exist as both a pastime and a sport. If I was going to question the classification of sports, I would be bringing up the “sports” of horse racing, synchronized swimming, and car racing. Ultimately, the categorization of surfing as a sport depends on individual viewpoints and the criteria used to define what constitutes a sport.

For those who think that it is not a sport, they argue that surfing is more of a recreational activity or lifestyle rather than a traditional sport. While surfing may require physical exertion and skill, critics argue that it lacks the structured and universally defined characteristics of recognized sports. The subjective nature of wave selection, the dependence on natural elements, and the lack of set rules and regulations diminish its status as a formal sport. Additionally, the absence of a standardized scoring system and the variability of wave conditions make it challenging to compare performances and establish consistent criteria for judging.

On the other hand, there are plenty of reasons why it should be considered a real sport. Surfing involves physical exertion, skill, and competitive elements, making it undoubtedly a legitimate sport. Surfers must possess athleticism, balance, and endurance to navigate the powerful waves, paddle out to the lineup, and execute maneuvers on their boards. Professional surfers train rigorously, maintain peak physical condition, and compete in organized competitions around the world. Surfing requires strategy, technique, and the ability to read and react to the ever-changing conditions of the ocean. It demands dedication, discipline, and a competitive drive, just like any other recognized sport.

Related Pages: surfing, horse racing, motor sports, synchronized swimming

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No Grunting Please

November 23rd, 2006 · Fitness, Tennis

A New York fitness club, which has outlets nationwide, has a long list of “dos and don’ts” that its members have to follow. That does not sound too bad. However, one of these rules is that no grunting is allowed, apparently to create a non-intimidating environment. And they enforce the rules too.

Recently, one of the club’s members was expelled for grunting. I don’t know if he ended up giving a bit more resistance, but eventually, Police Officers were called in by the management to escort the patron out. He admitted emitting several grunts when he was about to lift 227 kilograms.

I think sometimes you have to make some noise to get the most out of a lift, and it usually feels good too.

Where they need to stop the grunting is during women’s tennis matches. It really annoys me when I am trying to enjoy watching a game of tennis and all I can hear are the women grunting. The Wimbledon Championship has laid down the law in the past with regulating the clothing people could wear, now they should regulate the sounds the women can make too.

Related Pages: choosing a fitness club, tennis, Wimbledon

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Ian Thorpe Retires

November 21st, 2006 · Swimming

Even though it is a shock to many sports fans, swimmer Ian Thorpe’s retirement today comes as no surprise. He is quoted as saying that “there are things in my life that are more important to me and I have to pursue them now”. He said he has lost the desire to swim at the elite level, though the truth may be that he has lost the ability to win at the elite level, and as his own expectations are so high he did not want to compete if he could not continue to win and break records.

I fear that without competing at the highest level, his public profile will decrease, his worth to sponsors will decrease, and his ability to continue the lifestyle and business interests that he currently has will decrease also.

We may not hear of him much any more.

Related Pages: swimming, Ian Thorpe profile

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No Rules International Rules

November 6th, 2006 · AFL

Every year a representative side from the Australian Football League play a series of games against an Irish Gaelic Football rep team, in what is called International Rules. The two games, AFL and Gaelic Football, are somewhat alike, so they have made up some rules that are a hybrid of the two games.

Every year the series is full of controversy, and this year was not an exception. The problem is usually a result of the interpretation of the rules, and that the Aussies are used to a more physical game and find it hard to hold back during the heat of a competitive game.

After Australia won the series this year, and after the Irish took some very hard knocks, they have come out crying for an end to the series. Of course, we will see games again next year, as both games do not have any other international scope and it makes good money for the amateur Irish players.

Related Pages: AFL

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Lance Struggles in New York Marathon

November 6th, 2006 · Cycling, Tour de France, Track & Field

Lance Armstrong competed in the New York Marathon on the weekend. He finished in a credible time for a non-runner at just under 3 hours.

With his huge aerobic fitness level that he has shown on the bike in winning the Tour de France seven times, you would think it would be a walk in the park for him.

No. He struggled. He said afterward that it was the hardest physical thing he had ever done. This will bring joy to all the distance runners out there to get credit for the hard work that they regularly go through.

Maybe it was so tough for him as he is not with a cycling team anymore, and therefore does not have the team resources to ‘aid’ his performance.

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