Parochialism Shows A Lack of Respect

It may come as a surprise to some, but probably not as many as some would imagine, but there are many who could not give a flying fig about a certain sporting derby being held in Perth this weekend.

Certainly many, if not all of the visiting top darts players in town for the Perth Darts Masters are unlikely to care one iota.

Yet at the press conference held yesterday at the Rendezvous Observation City two of the players were asked post conference to put on West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers shirts for a photograph. It was more than apparent that this was a request was carried out, but far from willingly.

Now we have no idea who organised such a photo, but do they have any idea how insulting it is to make such a request?

Some may argue that Darts is not the most athletic of sports, but it is classified as a sport, and these players take it very seriously, and are the best at the game in the World. They are here to showcase their skill in their particular sport, so why would they want to promote another sport?

Why would they want to become part of an event that they have very little understanding or affinity with; An event they had no idea was even taking place, like many outside of Western Australia.

The savvy players may even realise that by donning either shirt they could in fact be alienating some of their fans, so clearly would not want to be a part of such a venture.

It is very sad that these visiting sportsmen and others before them are not afforded the respect they, and their sport deserve. Would these same people ask one of the AFL players to wear a Simon Whitlock “Wizard of Oz” shirt at an AFL press conferences?

So why should other codes and other sportsmen and women be asked to do the same?

The sporting world is bigger than Western Australia. Most truly global sports do not need such cheap attempts at publicity. Such behaviour is disrespectful and does not reflect well on Western Australia as a sport loving state. Hopefully in the near future a visiting athlete will not just make a disapproving facial expression as was the case yesterday, but will point blank refuse to be a part of such a publicity stunt.

On a separate note why should the Press conference and all in attendance have to wait because Channel Seven were late in arriving? Everyone knew what time the press conference started, every other television station was there on time. What again reflected poorly was the fact that those representing this station did not even offer one word of apology to our visitors or everyone else in attendance. Another sign of a lack of respect. It used to be if you were late for a Press conference you missed the story. In many cases once it had started you would not even be let in the room. One cannot help feeling that such standards worked better for everyone.

Are these really the best ways to promote Western Australia as a place to come and perform? We wonder why we are starved of top-line sporting events, some of the reasons may come down to respect and professionalism.