Keep the "Fun" in the Game
Jeff Sims
Wednesday January 24, 2007
This is what the NFL has turned into. The “No Fun League” has forced players into showing emotion and expressing themselves after plays that do not warrant such actions. While it is meaningful to the game, is it really necessary to celebrate a first down? Is it necessary to celebrate a regular tackle? Unfortunately, this is the only way that these intense competitors can express their emotions during a game. Otherwise, they are left to asinine celebrations on the field after the game when they can no longer be penalized. While I understand the “act like you’ve been there before” and the “integrity of the game” arguments, shouldn’t the game be “fun”? Shouldn’t professional athletes be allowed to enjoy themselves in the workplace just like the rest of the working world?
In today’s game, the “Icky Shuffle” would have cost the Bengals a 15-yard penalty. The “Dirty Bird” would have to be cleaned up. Would Billy “White Shoes” Johnson have been able to dance without being disciplined by the league?
The NFL, which values tradition, should remember that it got to where it is today by being both highly competitive AND fun.
This brings me to the AFL.
Over the past 20 years, the AFL has built its fan base and been able to grow its popularity exponentially by maintaining respect for the game of football while providing a total entertainment experience for its fans. Basically, a family can go watch a competitive game and have a fun time at a respectable price. It says so in the league’s mission statement.
This upcoming season, the AFL will be introducing some rule changes including free substitution and coaches no longer being allowed on the field during play. While these rule changes have ignited some debate since their release back in September, they should be good for the game overall and help to bring the best talent to the league. Having the best talent available should provide the league the opportunity to showcase highly competitive games and gain more respect within the sports community. That is the first part of the equation. What cannot be ignored here is that with the many hands of the NFL owners and ex-players being involved in the decision making process, the indoor game is slowly coming to resemble the outdoor game as much as it possibly can. I’m not saying that is a bad thing as the league continues to grow each year just like any other business looks to do.
But there is a second part to this formula that has made the Arena Football League one of the fastest growing sports in America.
The players in the AFL, for the most part, play the game for the love of it. A majority of the players rely upon other careers outside of the AFL while others run successful businesses. While some players hope to continue their dreams to make it at “the next level”, most continue to play because they enjoy the competition and hold a great deal of respect for the game of football and the AFL. They enjoy celebrating touchdowns via dances with teammates or “shooting a free-throw” with the football over the cross bar. It is all in fun and meant in the spirit of competition, and does not “disrespect” anyone. The players in this league understand that.
It is a part of the game that fans love to see because it is entertaining. In the AFL, it gives a fan something to talk to the player about during meet and greet sessions after games. It makes for a fun experience for both the player and the fan.
Now ESPN is a part owner and will be broadcasting games this season. Hopefully the sport is not promoted as John Elway versus Bon Jovi as it was on NBC the past two seasons. It is not Mike Ditka against any other high profile owner. Hopefully ESPN realizes the fun in this game and does not compare it to the NFL. It is its own entity. Besides, the AFL has not gotten to where it is today by copying a blueprint. .
While change is imminent, hopefully the AFL can maintain the one thing that makes it different from other major sports. Keep the fun in the “All Fun League”!
Jeff has been writing for ArenaFan.com since 2004. Originally from New York, Jeff has been living in the Chicago area for the past ten years and is an avid football fanatic. He holds a BA in communications from Hofstra University in New York and a sports management certificate from Loyola University in Chicago.
