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In another thread our good friend Darkness has brought up so very interesting points about the Sea of Blue and what have they done. To an interested outsider or onlooker the Sea of Blue is a collective group of fans of Western Force and Western Australian Rugby Union with a very loud voice and a seat at “the table”.
Personally I see the voice, it is at times loud. But I think that the message is ill-informed, mis-directed or directionless.
I think its time for the Sea of Blue to become organised. Have one voice, and make sure that all the voices to be singing from the same song book.
To do this the fans of the Western Force need to recognise and accept some facts. Accept that other people have an opinion and stop blaming people who had no part in the removal of the Western Force from the Super Rugby competition.
Mis-directed Anger
There appears to be several groups and teams that are on the receiving end of hatred from vocal Western Force fans.
The Wallabies. At no time did any of the Wallabies playing group have any say in the sacking or the keeping of the Western Force. At no time has any Wallabies player said that they only play for the fans on the East Coast of Australia. At present there are a number of Wallabies squad members that have played in the Western Force Jersey with great pride and they deserve our continued support. Not supporting the Wallabies because they represent the ARU is like not support Soldiers because they represent a government going to war that you disagree with. Its just hating on the wrong people.
The Melbourne Rebels fans. The former owners and board of the Melbourne Rebels have a lot to answer for. The Melbourne Rebels fans do not. The Melbourne Rebels fans were not part of the decision to dismiss the Western Force, nor were they part of the decision to recruit many former Western Force players. Yes, there are some people that say stupid, hateful or ignorant things on Internet forums about the sacking of the Western Force. They are not a true representation of Melbourne Rebels fans, they are trolls. Stop feeding the trolls. Ignore them.
The Blame Game
Cameron Clyne and the Board of Rugby Australia made a decision that removed the Western Force from the Super Rugby Competition. They were not the second shooter on the grassy knoll, the guy who filmed the lunar landings from a film studio in West Los Angles or the reason why the sky is falling. Not every decision they make is a secret plot to make RugbyWA fall into the abyss. Not everything is a conspiracy theory.
Unrealistic Expectations
The new CEO does not have the power to sack the board of Rugby Australia, who appointed her.
The ASIC Investigation will not put Cameron Clyne behind bars.
Nor will the ASIC Investigation re-instate the Western Force into the Super Rugby Competition.
Not purchasing Rugby Merchandise will not put Rugby Australia in to Administration.
Mr Forrest’s money will not solve every problem that we come across.
Western Force 2.0
Its time to smile again, its time to move on. Its time to look forward not back. Its time to drink from the glass that’s half full.
This year sees the return of our team and its time to celebrate that. But, along with the celebration we need to change our attitude and change how we appear to outsiders. No more blaming everyone else, and no more oh woe is me. We are losing supporters. Its time for………
Sea of Blue 2.0
With a new and improved team there is a need for a new and improved supporter base. One that is organised, open and welcoming. A group that is strong, has one voice and is invited to the big kids table.
Professional
The new Sea of Blue needs to have an organising committee. A group that guide the masses. That points the masses in the direction that is required. That can put together a mob at a moment’s notice. That has a voice that is heard. That represents our team, our State in the most positive light. That means no more FURA or FUARU in public forums. No more name calling. Its childish and we are better than that.
Goals
The Re-instatement of Mr Geoff Stooke to the board of Rugby Australia. More than anything else we must have a representation on the board.
A block of seating at nib/craypot allocated to Sea of Blue members.
Continued Encouragement for all Sea of Blue members to become members of WA Rugby Clubs.
A seat on the board RugbyWA
A consulting role within Mr Forrests IPRC Organisation.
The last 2 are a stretch. But its time to reach for the stars.
Positions Vacant
The Sea of Blue will need people of different skills and talents;
Social Media Mediators,
Press Release Writers,
Media Representatives,
Newsletter writer/creators
All of this is possible. But, attitudes need to change to be able to get there. More than anything else The Sea of Blue needs to take itself seriously before anyone else will take it seriously.