There is, however, an epidemic that has spread throughout Australia and indeed the world, most commonly known as the “ugly parent syndrome”. This syndrome is dreaded by all referees, associations and participants in sport. The problem can simply be put as “parents and or coaches who behave in an unacceptable and disturbing manner”. This behaviour can include swearing, aggressively disputing calls made by an official, arguing and intimidating officials and other parents, invading the sporting field and can even lead to physical violence

In a land that idolises it sporting heroes this shameful behaviour destroys the very essence of good sportsmanship an

d the concept of a fair go, two values Australians espouse to be an integral part of their culture.

I have been playing competitive sport for as long as my memory will take me back and have thoroughly enjoyed the competitive and fun side that sport can bring into a child’s life. I have been able to develop my abilities to play at district levels, coach and referee. Through my two years of refereeing I have witnessed the ‘ugliest’ side of sport - that is perhaps why 82% of junior referees within the local district will quit each year. It is with regret that this weekend when I blow the final whistle for the junior grand final, that I will no longer referee. Some might say that having to put up with verbal and physical abuse, as has happened to me when an angry male parent grasped the front of my shirt and shook me because he disagreed with a decision, is character building.

Another possible cause is “social learning” Just as the junior footballer may imitate the inappropriate actions of their AFL heroes when missing a shot for goal, so too the parent may imitate the undesirable actions o

Some topics in this essay:
, Code Conduct, Konrad Lorenz, Massachusetts July, Nobel Prize, children sport, “ugly parent syndrome”, “ugly parent, junior basketball, parent syndrome”,