First, I want to apologise for what may seem to be an outrageously undemocratic poll - the one through which you 'vote' to show your support opposite. I realise that this is a false vote, in that there is only one option to vote for (you don't even have 'reopen nominations' or RON as he's called...). I'm afraid that was the only technology available to me - or, at least, that I understood how to operate - so as to allow people to show support for the Campaign for the Democratisation of Sport! No (ironic) disenfranchisement intended...
Second, there are some other good options for making your voice heard on this issue. Again, no 'votes' as such. But links to two current petitions are also given opposite. Please sign up if you are remotely moved to do so! The first is the Football Supporters Federation petition to keep 'away fan' ticket prices affordable - this is quite good fun, because when you sign an email is automatically sent in your name to all the English Premiership Clubs! Of course, what you get back is an autoreply of some sort - but it's quite good fun seeing an email arrive in your in-box from 'Arsenal FC' or 'West Ham', etc. The other link is for the petition to the England and Wales Cricket Board, and is essentially geared at keeping major cricket matches 'free to view' on terrestrial television.
I'm off to hunt for more! Let's make our feelings known...
Who owns sport these days?
It's an interesting question - and it's the basis for our campaign. Increasingly, the big sports clubs are owned and controlled by equally big private interests. In the US, it's not uncommon for baseball 'franchises' to be owned by huge conglomerates. In the UK, there is a growing trend in football of clubs being bought up by millionnaire businessmen. Often these owners contribute significant investment - in new facilities and new players, for example. But the fans still drive the business, through gate receipts, merchandise and by paying to watch sporting events on television. The net flow of investment is generally from the fans to the sport. Yet fans are often excluded from decisions that affect their access to and enjoyment of their chosen game...
Over the coming months, we will be investigating how the world of sport is evolving - where the money is, how decisions are taken, how accessible it all is. Please send us your comments. And, if the way sport is evolving concerns you too, please join our campaign!
Over the coming months, we will be investigating how the world of sport is evolving - where the money is, how decisions are taken, how accessible it all is. Please send us your comments. And, if the way sport is evolving concerns you too, please join our campaign!
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