Parents play an invaluable role in club and community sports. Occasionally, however, some become over emotional, verbally abusive and sometimes even physically aggressive. It’s important that the inappropriate actions of a few parents don’t ruin the sporting experience for everyone else.

Information to help you understand the issue

Ugly parents:

• sometimes use foul language make threatening gestures and remarks directed at the coach, umpire or other team
• have a win at all costs mentality
• are likely to ‘coach’ and ‘referee’ from the sidelines and concentrate on faults and failings rather than successes
• diminish everyone’s enjoyment of the game.

Inappropriate behaviour by parents can result in:

• children withdrawing from sport
• reduced membership
• fewer people willing to volunteer for coaching and official positions; and/or
• an increased risk of legal action.

This section contains information for:

• Administrators
• Coaches
• Officials
• Players
• Parents