The Australian Football League Players' Association "has raised concerns that footballers will face heightened scrutiny if an AFL plan to provide in-game player GPS tracking data to broadcasters comes to fruition," according to Daniel Cherny of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD.
There has been a push from AFL HQ for GPS data "to be gathered by the AFL via statistical partner Champion Data under an arrangement in which all 18 clubs would share information relating to each other's players, and broadcasters would gain access to the information to enhance coverage." The prospect of media gaining unrestricted access to data "has raised concerns for the AFLPA, which fears already heavily scrutinised players will face further public criticism if broadcasters are able to show players' running data." The union is also worried that the reputation of certain players "could take a hit within the industry if other clubs know about their running weaknesses."
The AFLPA said that it understands the AFL's desire to make broadcasts more interesting, but is "reluctant to allow the practice if it comes at a cost to players." One compromise the AFLPA has proposed "is for data on the top-running players only to be made available to media, meaning elite performers would be praised rather than strugglers scrutinised." In addition to the matter of the data sharing, several clubs "have also baulked at a recent package offered by Champion Data" at a price of about A$30,000 ($22,900) (SMH, 2/9).
