Australian Football League: "home advantage", "umpire bias" or both?

Purpose - This study sought to clarify potentially conflicting results from two prior studies examining the "home advantage", and possible "umpire bias", in the Australian Football League (AFL). Design/methodology/approach - Using categorical regression analysis, and controlling for team ability, the number of free kicks awarded to/against each AFL team during the home and away season of 2006 was investigated. Findings - The findings support previous research suggesting home teams generally win more often and receive more favourable treatment from umpires. However, for games involving both a Victorian and a non-Victorian team, there is clear evidence of "umpire bias" (beyond the traditional "home advantage") operating against non-Victorian teams. Research limitations/implications - A major limitation of this study is that it only considers the number of free kicks awarded and not where, or when, those free kicks are awarded. Practical implications - The findings suggest that the AFL should seriously consider appointing neutral umpires for all games (particularly those involving a Victorian and non-Victorian team) and establishing an independent panel to oversee the development and selection of AFL umpires. Originality/value - This is the first study of potential "bias" in the AFL that controls for team ability and, as such, helps to reconcile conflicting conclusions from two prior studies.