Calm down - it's children's sport not the World Cup
We attended the rugby tournament at the Sevens last weekend. This was a superb day and we enjoyed it very much.
However, the behaviour of a some of the parents and coaches was unbelievable! This was not the World Cup!
These were children playing, some of whom were very young. Whilst most people were encouraging, supportive and clearly had a good knowledge of fair play and sportsmanship, a few others sadly did not.
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Some of the things I heard being screamed at children, coaches and referees was very sad indeed! As I said this is children's sport and they need to be encouraged, taught to enjoy it and play fairly so they want to progress and continue playing.
I would strongly imagine there were a few children who came away feeling most disheartened and that makes me very upset indeed!
Anon, Dubai
Comments
by LucyInTheSky
Thursday, January 31 2013, 9:18AM
“We also attended the tournament as our son was playing in one of the younger age groups, and we were also aware of the absence of true sportsmanship in some quarters. We welcome the chance for our child to experience real competition as this is not so much in evidence in school any more, but with some of the attitudes displayed by parents and coaches alike we're beginning to question whether sport is the way to go.
In the light of the recent Armstrong scandal, perhaps we should just accept that this is the way all sports will be in future, and teach our children that sport is about winning at all cost and not to be enjoyed? Or maybe the schools have got it right and a fully-inclusive, anti-elitist policy is the way forward?
I cling to the hope that the vast majority of participants and parents at these types of events are still decent folk who believe it's mostly about taking part, about fair play and giving 100% effort, and that winning is a bonus. If that is the case, the only way to prevent a repeat of the kind of appalling behaviour we witnessed last weekend is for the decent majority to speak out loud and clear to let the unsporting minority know it is unacceptable. If they're not prepared to listen, the sporting authorities should be prepared to consider banning repeat offenders. We know who they are!”