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| This season kick off was on a Saturday |
It is definitely one of the reasons why the attendances on weekday matches are pathetic. Most of the time, only the die hards and the die hard punters, will be there to catch the players in action on a Monday or a Tuesday or a Wednesday or a Thursday night game. Singaporeans, in general, will find it hard to catch the matches due to work commitment and for the students, due to school commitment. Our culture is such that football is not seen as an important priority. So having state that, would scheduling the matches all on a single day improve things?
Advantages:
1. Attract fans who cannot make it on weekdays
Singaporeans, in general are busy people. It is reported that fans who are students by day have found it difficult to obtain their parents' permission to attend games on week nights. Maybe, just maybe, if the matches are scheduled on a weekend night, the S-League can attract these long forgotten fans of the local games.
2. The thrill of a single match-day
Leagues all around the world usually have their games concentrated on a single day or two. The thrill of having games on going at the same time is a long forgotten thing. Remember the days when we had Geylang United fans laughing at half-time when news was announced that SAFFC were trailing Tampines Rovers at half-time? Or do you remember those days when there was a sign of despair amongst Sembawang fans when their arch-rivals Woodlands were winning? Such is the thrill and excitement of a single-match day.
3. Consistent Scheduling = Knowledgeable fans
Having different games on different weekday matches is hard to keep up for the local football viewers. They are forced to consistently find out news and information and this can be a little troublesome. As it is, news on the S-League and their matches are not comparable and as assessible unlike the glorified EPL.
Disadvantages :
1. Logistical/Administrative issues for....
Well, if u are an S-League regular, you will notice that those on duty (Stretcher boys, Gate receipts, Ticket Sellers, Security personel) are all also very regular. Sometimes, they can be on duty for a few days in a row and you can conclude only one thing: the S-League is shorthanded or understaffed. If all 6 matches go on on the same date, then this can be an obstacle for the league organisers. As far as I can say, too bad!
2. Total attendances affected?
It is a question of whether the FAS and S-League are interested in the average or total attendance statistics. If you are an S-League regular as well, you will somehow notice that the same fans who turn up for a game between Geylang and Tampines are more likely the same set of fans that turn up for the game between Balestier and Home United as well. So, it is a question of adding the average attendances up to get a higher overal total match attendances. If all matches are scheduled on the same day, then these fans who turn up for more than one match a week following the current structure, are forced to choose the match they will attend. And do not get me started on the betting money! ( we know who will lose out) : D
3. "Competition from EPL"
Well, this pisses me off but I just feel that the whole "competing-with-EPL-viewers" reason is a lame excuse. Truth be told, there is no direct competition given the starting times of S-League matches and most EPL matches. If the Malaysians dare to do it for their M-League, why can't the S-League follow suit?
Possible Solution:
1. More budget for more staff
2. Split the fixtures into two days : 3 on Friday, 3 on Saturday
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| Lets hope that one day, every seat will be filled up on matchdays! |
I believe match timings should be on saturdays, at a fixed timing of maybe 5pm.
ReplyDeleteSince no one bothers to broadcast the matches, doesn't matter that all fixtures are played at the same time.
Then in this way we can also find out how many people are actually supporters of which club.
Johnathan
I second what Jonathan proposed.
ReplyDeleteWith this in play it will kick start a whole new ball game.
Imagine attending 5 consecutive games and for the next game, you can bring along a friend and enter for free? Will the crowds come back?
After bringing in the crowds only then can we look at establishing a strong club fan base.
The league is not marketed properly and it is seen as going thru the motions.
FAS bring out your Mikasa sponsored BALLS and lets have an open forum with the people that care.
I agree with Johnathan. Matches in weekends is the best solution. To play matches in the same timing as the EPL, people won't come to stadium and watch.. i understand that Courts Young lions are the only club to have matches on weekends. I do hope and pray that all S-League matches to be play in weekends in future seasons. That way its a family activity.
ReplyDeleteMatches on weekends for sure!
ReplyDelete