I'm more inclined to think that there is an unconscious bias being applied rather than any conscious, systemic bias on the part of umpires or those who select them. I believe that the umpires honestly think that they are fair and impartial. And yet we consitently get decisions going against us. Oftentimes appalingly so.
Is it a case of being a self-fulfilling prophecy? A club has a reputation for certain acts, so decisions go against them, which gives them a reputation for certain acts...
Could it be the colour of our uniform?
Interesting clicky thing
I'd love to see some free kick stats when we are wearing our away jumper vs. the darker one.
At any rate, I want to know what the AFL is doing about identifying unconscious bias, and what training they provide umpires in overcoming it. I suspect not much is being done at all.