The intense debate surrounding the scheduling of women’s sports games has reached a boiling point. Coaches and players alike are speaking out against the timing and location of recent matches, citing poor attendance and logistical nightmares.
One coach, Darren Crocker, expressed frustration over a recent game held at Whitten Oval on a Friday evening, which drew a paltry 943 fans. “We regularly pack out our home stadium with the right scheduling,” he said. “Why schedule a game at an off-site location during a time when most people are still at work?”
The scheduling conflict is nothing new, but it’s particularly galling given the league’s promise to add more games if attendance figures improve. Yet, games are consistently scheduled at inconvenient times and locations, making it difficult for fans to attend.
Another coach, Craig Starcevich, echoed Crocker’s sentiments, suggesting that a more flexible scheduling approach would be beneficial. With his team set to play in the men’s championship game, he questioned why the women’s game couldn’t be held in the same location, allowing fans to attend both matches.
“It’s common sense to schedule games in a way that works for everyone involved,” he said. “Why not hold the women’s game before the men’s championship, and allow our staff to attend both?”
The scheduling issues also put a significant strain on club resources, with staff often working across both men’s and women’s programs. This can lead to burnout and exhaustion, particularly when staff are required to travel extensively for games.
It’s time for the league to take a step back and re-evaluate its scheduling approach. By prioritizing the needs of fans, players, and clubs, we can create a more sustainable and equitable system for women’s sports.
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