Aborigines and Positional Segregation in Australian Rugby League

Abstract

Researchers have found the existence of positional segregation in North American and British sports in which an overrepresentation of black players existed. Data gathered for the 1987 and 1988 seasons are presented as a test of the 'stacking' and outcome control hypotheses in NSW rugby league, where an overrepresentation of Aborigines clearly existed. It was found that the most likely position to be played by an Aborigines as one which supports the population stereotype. As well, analysis of match videotapes and tackle counts revealed that Aboriginal positions had the least involvement of any field playing position. These results lend support to the notion that positional segregation may be likely in team sports for all anglocentric societies.