Players must be aware of gambling dangers
In a week where once again football is fighting to deflect criticism aimed at some , it is clear that it has a continuous battle to promote and develop a positive image.
There are many accusations aimed at football players with regards to behaviour and dedication, sometimes with due cause, but in many other instances without appropriate justification.
Whatever your opinion on footballers and the game itself, are there many who believe that the sport could ever find itself rife with corruption?
Perhaps gambling on football should be left to fans and tipsters like John McCririck. Photo: SNS
As much as some may question other aspects of a player's approach to their sport, I would suggest that most would consider our football to be clean and not subject to the possibility of outcomes within a game being influenced by players in order to suit betting patterns.
However, at a time when there is an intense spotlight on any possible gambling irregularities within a sport as a result of alleged instances in cricket and , is it naive to accept that football will never be susceptible to such breaches of sporting integrity by its players?
In my role as chairman of PFA Scotland, I have been heavily involved with the creation of a gambling awareness project which is aimed at educating players in our country on the regulations surrounding betting in football, and the implications of doing so.
This scheme, which is funded by the Professional Players' Federation (PPF), an organisation which covers more than 15,000 sportsmen and women and includes bodies such as British Athletes' Commission and Professional Golfers' Association, will also make our members aware of the implications of breaching any regulations and possible punishment associated with it.
Therefore, in terms of this project, football is taking positive action to ensure that this part of the game's image remains as good as it has for many years.
I must point out that in my own experience of around 15 years in football dressing rooms I have never once seen evidence that players would consider deliberately affecting match action.
I have, however, witnessed at first hand the almost complete acceptance of gambling as being integral to the life of a football player. A young apprentice player progressing into the first team will do so while probably being well versed in the many ways of betting, and its perceived attractions.
Therefore, a further part of PFA Scotland's project is to advise and offer help to those players who feel they may have gambling issues.
In my opinion, this is of paramount importance to clubs for several reasons.
First, they should be seeking to offer their young players the best possible education and be aiming to maximise their potential and therefore any information which can help apprentices focus solely on their sport is beneficial.
Also, any player who has a difficulty in their personal life will eventually find it impacting upon their professional performances, meaning they are not as effective on the park.
Any chairman, manager or team-mate will prefer this player to be capable of performing at their best and not to be distracted by off-field interests dominated by gambling.
During my career as a football player I have seen changes in attitude towards such things as diet and alcohol to recovery methods after games.
These shifts in outlook have always been for the good of the game, and it may be that the sport's warm embrace of gambling needs to be loosened in order to safeguard the integrity of the game and to make players more aware of potential problems.
There are a number of people who wait desperately to criticise football, the attitudes and morals supposedly displayed by all involved in it, and who would take pleasure in more scandal further damaging the image of football.
I love football, it's my sport; I want the game to have a bright future and the example of the PFA's gambling awareness project are a small step in the direction of securing that.
I was released as a teenager from the Scottish Premier League, had the hardening experiences of junior and part-time football and came back to the top flight with four years at university thrown in! I'm Jack Ross, a defender with Dunfermline and I aim to give you an insight into the life and mind of a professional footballer.
Comment number 1.
At 1st Feb 2011, HotdogSalesman wrote:I like to believe that footballers would never sell themselves to the bookmakers, and suspect that most feel the same way.
We have, however, had more than one case of footballers losing money gambling, and that in itself represents a major issue.
The number of ways to bet on football matches not only make it easier to bet on the game, but also provides more ways in which a footballer could potentially affect the outcome of a bet, if not the result of a match.
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Comment number 2.
At 1st Feb 2011, ally9 wrote:jack
"the attitudes and morals supposedly displayed by all involved in it."
i've critcised scottish football players more often than not, i don't point the finger at all involved as you put it and i take no pleasure in the criticism but there are and has been some serious offenders in the scottish game and they definately should be criticised.
if you go into a game and your attitude has been as good as it can be and your preparation has went without a hitch jack, then you know you have a better chance of winning a football game. if you don't win and you've given your all, then the criticism isn't justified.
i just think the cameron house debacle was a turning point for me and it changed forever how i view scottish football, and the icing on the cake was the new scotland team manager asking them back. it showed how bad attitudes can be swept under the carpet when it suits, when we as a football nation should have said kick them out for good.
good attitude is everything in sport, it always gives you a better chance of winning.
we win games when out attitude isn't the best, think what we could do if it was perfect. why isn't it perfect, every other sport aims that high, why not football.
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Comment number 3.
At 2nd Feb 2011, Webzcas wrote:It is par for the course when young people have more money than sense. I have worked in the online gambling industry now for over a decade and unfortunately a small minority fall into the problem gambling category.
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Comment number 4.
At 2nd Feb 2011, Jack Ross - Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Sport wrote:Thank you for your comments.
I think it is fair to say that a reasonable amount of disposable income coupled with shorter working hours than most can lead to some players developing gambling related problems.
The test is whether clubs view these as less serious or equally as damaging as say an alcohol problem, which has perhaps been given more attention in the past.
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Comment number 5.
At 3rd Feb 2011, G_K___ wrote:LOL, I think the true problem is shorter working hours coupled wi' an UNreasonable amount of disposable income. ;)
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Comment number 6.
At 3rd Feb 2011, telemonster wrote:Gambling = Mug's game!
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Comment number 7.
At 3rd Feb 2011, 1885dafc wrote:All the best for any future projects Jack, sorry it never worked out with the Pars.
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Comment number 8.
At 4th Feb 2011, Gus MacPherson wrote:Sorry to hear you are retiring Jack. It was a pleasure watching you at Saints and hopefully we will see you back one day, either in the stands or the dugout?
In the meantime, have you considered writing a book about your life as a 'normal' football player. A sort of Spl version of Garry Nelsons book (Left foot forward)? You have a talent for writing and a great subject to write about - real life, paying a mortgage, how Bosman affected guys at your level, the short term deals, watching guys come in on trial, the real world away from the Ronaldo's and Rooney's of your sport.
Whatever you do though, best of luck for the future!
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Comment number 9.
At 4th Feb 2011, Kelso Bob wrote:Very sorry to hear that you have had to retire - football is a short career anyway and premature retirement must be a real downer. Don't make the mistake of running a pub like some guys - try and keep in the game as a coach or football pundit - your blogs have been very interesting so you obviously have a talent in this respect. Why not try being a talent spotter for some of the top clubs? (like Hibs!).
Unfortunately the nature of the game means that young footballers have too much money and too much time on their hands so it is not surprising that they have a problem with boredom, gambling and drink.
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Comment number 10.
At 4th Feb 2011, blogcritic wrote:Extremely sad to hear you have had the dreaded "word of advice" from a doctor & have been forced to retire with your knee injury.
As Kelso Bob said, football is a short career anyway & for it to end prematurely is always hard to take. I had to give up amateur football for a similar injury in my 20s which was a nightmare, but at least it wasn't my job too!
Maybe with some training & conditioning you may be able to return in the Juniors again. But whatever you do, I sincerely hope you continue with this fabulous blog. You, Paul Fletcher & Jim Spence all make fantastic reading on here.
I hope the future works out well for you Jack - what do you think it will bring?
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Comment number 11.
At 4th Feb 2011, blogcritic wrote:Jack Ross - Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Sport wrote: "coupled with shorter working hours than most"
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Is this not the issue that can be tackled best?
I'm one of a rare breed in this country that doesn't grudge footballers such a good living. After all, you have to swap good earnings for your privacy & it is the entertainment industry after all, so good luck to you all.
I have never understood why clubs seem to let players away with a few hours training in the morning 4 days a week, game on a Saturday & allow them the rest of the week off. It is not done this way in Holland, Italy or Germany, for example. As well as doing more tactical, video review or conditioning work, players could also be out visiting schools in the afternoon, doing work in the community or taking coaching or (heaven forbid) refereeing courses.
Rest is important for a full-time athlete, but surely a happy-medium can be found. Plentiful amounts of rest is not afforded to the part-time footballer & it doesn't damage them irreparably.
Cut down on some of the free time & hopefully cut down on some of the problems associated.
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Comment number 12.
At 4th Feb 2011, Disaster for Scotland wrote:Hi Jack,
Sorry to hear that you've been forced to retire. I know you're 34 and probably coming to the end of your career anyway, but it would have been nice for you to decide when rather than having it made for you!
Keep up the good work!
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Comment number 13.
At 4th Feb 2011, TabletTamTheMacaroonMan wrote:Good blog as ever Jack.
Having worked in a bookmaers for a few years i have seen some footballers at their worst. Not all of them though. Many enjoy a bet and know when to stop. It's good to see something like this being set up however.
Finally i'd like to say i'm sorry you have been forced to retire and never got the chance to play for my team this season! All the best in your media career and keep up the good blog!
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Comment number 14.
At 4th Feb 2011, Touring_Bear wrote:I am a very happy gambler (mugs game if you are a mug) but have always wondered why we allow UK profesional sports people to gamble. In America, sports proffesionals/people are not allowed to gamble at the risk of being banned from sports for life.
Bring that law over here and I for one would be very happy, no more questionable results for strange events.
It really is that simple.
No need to invest any money just get them to sign a contact that states that if they are found gambling their career is over.
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Comment number 15.
At 4th Feb 2011, ally9 wrote:jack
sorry to hear about your plans to retire, i've watched you play a few
times, i can only say you will be a loss to the game.
life's too short and your a long time retired, marvin andrews played on through an injury after refusing surgery, i just hope you exhaust the methods, if any, that could keep you playing, even a game at at time.
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Comment number 16.
At 8th Feb 2011, Jack Ross - Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Sport wrote:Many thanks to those who took time to offer their comments on my decision to retire-it is greatly appreciated.
I look forward to continuing to offer my opinions on the game!
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