With talk of a united league competition gaining momentum in recent
days, JDG general manager Bart Benson has announced that 10 minutes would
be set aside at the start of JDG games next year during which players would
be free to physically attack one another without interference by referees.
While the game's veterans and pickled commentators believe the plan
is designed mainly to give the JDG extra ammunition in the resumed peace
talks, Benson is adamant that the 10-minute period, to be known as Thump
Time, would address some long-standing problems.
“At the beginning of each game there is inevitably a bit of a blue
among the players – sometimes on opposing sides – where tensions
are released,” he said.
“An official Thump Time will provide an outlet for those energies in
a very positive and crowd-pleasing way.
“It will also cut any delays to the start of play.
“In the past the traditional brawl at the beginning of a game has had
the effect of holding up proceedings."
He cited last July's match between the Wollongong Paperweights and the Bunbury
Blenders at the Phenyle Stadium in Perth, a game delayed by 50 minutes by
an on-field brawl that eventually involved dozens of spectators and several
householders whose properties bordered the field.
“Thump Time will ensure that doesn’t happen again.”
Mr Benson said the only conditions applied to Thump Time would be a ban
on the use of any playing equipment requiring a power source and the exclusion
of players currently subject to good behaviour bonds.
Even late last night, while still publicly denouncing the Thump Time plan,
Brisbane Bolts officials were signalling their intention to pressure Star
Picket League organisers to implement a similar scheme.
The club’s acting chairman, Terry Verandah, said off the record that
a similar scheme, but only better because it would be championed by Star
Picket League owner, world media baron Rupert Mudrake, would be welcomed
by players and fans alike.
“I can really see our own idea taking off, as soon as we give Thump
Time a new name,” Mr Verandah said.
“All I can say is that we are have discussions with our teams, our
international affiliates and officers of Medicare, and we hope to make an
announcement soon."
