Editorial: Sideline abuse should be red-carded

Kids are sidelined by some parents' boorish sideline behaviour. Photo File

It's bittersweet that the Hawke's Bay Rugby Referees Association vetoed any games involving MAC in Flaxmere this season.

The move came after referees cited continued verbal abuse from players and spectators.

It's always heartening to hear those with whistles won't be intimidated - but it's sad that it had to be enforced at all.

Junior grades are also affected - as is the club's women's team.

As MAC Sports Association president and premier team co-coach Anthony Morley said last week, "it affects our community".

To some this disciplinary action is akin to crushing a walnut with a sledgehammer.

Yet a text to the editor on Friday bemoaning the antics of a belligerent parent on a kids' rugby sideline in Napier once again hints at the wider malaise.

As a parent, the Saturday sideline duty was the perfect start to a weekend. We mixed with other parents, usually in sunshine, and cheered on our young ones.

But as the kids went up through the grades the mood often darkened.

Astounded at the antics of some parents, whose behaviour ranged from the deranged to outright embarrassing, Saturday mornings became an indictment on parenthood.

What these parents and supporters don't seem to realise is the irony of mouthing off - whereby they become the main attraction and the kids become spectators.

This seems to support the paperback psychologist's theory that these parents are reliving their own failed sporting careers.

So, while the decision of the referees association is ostensibly disproportionate, at least it's sending a message that our national sport's aggression, whether it be from the sideline or on field, needs to be channelled in the right direction.