Hi all,
Couldn't agree more pitchfork. The current attire of sports coaches in Australia is one on my pet hates. Neil Balme's coaching team pretty much all wore suits - light brown in colour I seem to recall.
I appreciate there are people with other valid opinions on this topic. And I hear the arguments for the current attire. For example, clothing is irrelevant, it's the modern era, sponsor bang-for-buck are some examples. But suits – certainly a collar and tie – communicate so much. The research is pretty definitive on this topic. People who dress authoritatively carry authority before they have even opened their mouthes. Dress communicates so much sub-consciously. It’s why there is a certain dress standard in our courts system for example. Conversely, it’s why detainees in our gaols are given plain dress. Dress communicates hierarchy.
I remember when Ron Barassi went up to Sydney to sort out that rabble in 1993. At the time, they were at least as bad as we are now – possibly even worse. Brasso changed from an open neck and slacks to collar, tie and suit. I also recall his utter dismay when telling a story about his first week in Sydney. He said the administrators – and some of the players – did not know the names of the boot-studders. He was shocked. He said his first job was to restore some self-respect, discipline and standards. I would be surprised if a suit was not part of that message.
As always, interested in all other opinions.
S&S