THUGGERY ISN’T SPORT
IT’S been called white-line fever and over the years sport administrators have tried a range of strategies to try to control it, including handing out lollipops.
Sports psychologists have also labelled it “PhD syndrome’’ – the seemingly irrational loss of control by parents who shout abuse at kids, referees, opposing coaches and even their own offspring at junior sport matches.
The “PhD’’ label was previously applied to educators who thought all students should be sent to university. Then it was applied to adults who pushed their kids too far in sport, with an unrealistic expectation of success.
We’ve all seen them. The man shouting advice at his kid on the field, who often responds with a look of sheer misery; the spectator abusing the ref or threatening the opposition; the mother walking along a pool deck shouting instructions while her child struggles in a swimming race.
Many administrators prefer to use the “white-line’’ terminology for that sorry band of adults who are too quick to criticise kids on the field, referees and opposing teams and coaches.
Sadly, as the Bulletin has reported this week, a violent incident has marred a junior soccer game. It is not clear how it started but during the under-15s match, youngsters and adults from the sideline became involved in a brawl. Police have alleged a teenager – potentially as young as 13 – was coward-punched by a man in his 40s.
Police and Football Gold Coast are investigating and witnesses must come forward, otherwise there is little chance of stamping out violent behaviour.
About a decade ago the AFL Gold Coast Juniors pioneered a program to try to rein in aggressive parents, including issuing lollipops during games to keep them silent. Junior rugby league clubs used signs to remind parents of the example they should set.
If kindergarten tactics are what it takes to control juvenile behaviour from adults who seem to be living out their failed dreams through their kids, then let’s do it.
But change will only occur with a combination of police and court action to deal with offenders, lifetime bans from clubs and national bodies, and a strong campaign using sporting heroes to send the message that real stars don’t resort to punching, kicking and abuse.