The Value of Don Bradman: Additional Revenue in Australian Ashes Tests

One way to understand the value of sporting ‘superstars’ is to examine the effect they have on match attendances and revenue. Arguably, the most famous sports star in Australia was Sir Donald Bradman, whose batting average has far exceeded that of any cricket players. This paper examines the value of Don Bradman by estimating an empirical model of the effect of Bradman on cricket match attendances for Ashes Test matches in Australia. The attendance effect – of over 7,000 additional people each day on which he batted – is then used to derive an estimate of the effect on revenue. We find that Bradman generated considerable additional revenue, though the range of the estimates is very large. The Australian Cricket Board, as the monopoly supplier of cricket, was able to obtain all the extra proceeds.Consumer economics, Monopoly, Wages and compensation, Professional labour markets and occupations

The value of Don Bradman: additional revenue in Australian Ashes tests

One way to understand the value of sporting ‘superstars’ is to examine the effect they have on match attendances and revenue. Arguably, the most famous sports star in Australia was Sir Donald Bradman, whose batting average has far exceeded that of any cricket players. This paper examines the value of Don Bradman by estimating an empirical model of the effect of Bradman on cricket match attendances for Ashes Test matches in Australia. The attendance effect – of over 7,000 additional people each day on which he batted – is then used to derive an estimate of the effect on revenue. We find that Bradman generated considerable additional revenue, though the range of the estimates is very large. The Australian Cricket Board, as the monopoly supplier of cricket, was able to obtain all the extra proceeds

Why Do We Put Cervical Collars On Conscious Trauma Patients?

In this commentary we argue that fully alert, stable and co-operative trauma patients do not require the application of a semi-rigid cervical collar, even if they are suspected of underlying cervical spine fracture, unless their conscious level deteriorates or they find the short-term support of a cervical collar helpful. Despite the historical and cultural barriers that exist, the potential benefits are such that this hypothesis merits rigorous testing in well-designed research trials

Can patients apply the Ottawa ankle rules to themselves?

Objective: To determine whether patients with an ankle injury obtained the same results as clinicians when applying the Ottawa ankle rules (a validated clinical decision rule) to themselves. Methods: Patients aged >15 years presenting to an inner city emergency department within 48 h of an ankle injury were asked to assess their own injury using the Ottawa ankle rules. The results of their self-assessment were compared with those of a treating clinician. Results: Poor interobserver agreement was found between patients and clinicians. Conclusions: Making the Ottawa ankle rule more widely available to the general public is unlikely to reduce healthcare demand. Indeed, given the apparently low specificity of the rule, demand could actually increase as a result

‘Clearing’ the cervical spine in the unconscious trauma patient

This is a systemic review of the published evidence regarding cervical spine management in unconscious trauma patients. We examine the literature in the following sections: use of plain radiography; use of flexion/extenson views; use of computed tomography; use of magnetic resonance imaging. We also review surveys of practice and current guidelines. In contrast to the conscious trauma patient there have been no large prospective multicentre studies to derive a clinical decision rule for the exclusion of cervical spine injury. This review therefore assesses currently available evidence to reach a logical conclusion regarding the most appropriate imaging strategy to exclude significant injury in the cervical spine, whilst minimising the time that a patient needs to remain immobilised. © 2011, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved

Clearing' the cervical spine in conscious trauma patients

This is a systematic review of published evidence regarding management of the cervical spine in conscious and co-operative trauma patients. We examine the literature in the following sections: clinical evaluation of the cervical spine; use of plain radiography; use of additional radiographic views; use of computed tomography; use of magnetic resonance imaging. Finally we consider the elderly and paediatric populations, particularly where there are significant differences compared to the general adult population. This paper also reviews the literature regarding non-medical assessment of the cervical spine. We conclude that there are well-validated decision rules available to guide the clinician, and that each imaging strategy has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Familiarity with these issues provides a sound basis for safe and effective decision-making. © 2009, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved