Rules are rules
Webster defines rule as “a statement that tells you what is or is not allowed in a particular situation.”
Depending on one’s understanding, rules could be harsh, but they are made to control and regulate conditions mostly for the protection or general welfare of everyone. But there are people who, in their twisted sense of selfish entitlement, disrespect implementing rules and regulations.
Sports especially, because of the proximity and frequency of contact, have their own set of rules but often are disregarded by the above-mentioned specie that leads to unfavorable outcomes, as what happened to Novak Djokovic in Melbourne.
Like some people, Djokovic opted not to be jabbed with the anti-Covid vaccine. It’s their choice and we respect them for that. But in Novac’s case, it does not mean that he can go around wherever he pleases in blatant disregard of infection.
You must already have read a couple of well-written articles by Atty. Ferdinand Gujilde, my Wreckorder neighbor on this paper’s sports section. I’ll be adding a few of my thoughts.
Australia is notorious for its very strict border controls that you can’t even bring with you snack items from the plane you boarded upon embarkation. When the pandemic was at its peak, my son Emil who’s based there, said that authorities get the number of people in each household and patrol every night with thermal scanners. The police will come knocking at your door if the number of people inside your residence exceeds the number on what they have on their data.
They’re inside a bubble, restricted to their own villages that their necessities are bought only on stores within their locality. Let’s say you’re in Labangon, you just can’t go to Punta Princesa as you like because doing so, unless you have a very valid reason, gets you transplanted to a quarantine area. Sydney once had a 3-day lockdown because about 15 people tested positive of the virus.
The sixth biggest country in the world have more cattle and kangaroos than people as they only have a population of less than 26 million. Control and implementing health protocols is effective as there are less people to monitor.
Djokovic is Serbia’s pride and glory and could be on the same footing with both their president and prime minister. He can always do whatever he pleases there. But Australia is not Serbia and authorities Down Under don’t give a wombat’s crap who you are back home.
The French Tennis Fedration had informed players that a legislation will be passed by the French government prohibiting unvaccinated athletes from competing in any sporting event. Wimbledon could follow suit and unless he gets vaccinated, Djokovic will have a long vacation. No vax, no play. Like Atty. Gujilde said in his column, “It’s not about tennis, it’s about public health and safety.”
Maybe, just maybe, Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal can get their 21st Grand Slam crown this time around and No-vax Joke-ovic gets stuck in number 20, which he won without Roger and Rafa anyway.
Rules are rules and it’s either you comply or fly out.
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