In a nation where 25% of Australian children and adolescents are currently overweight or obese, health organisations around Australia are vigorously promoting the need for children to be encouraged take part in sport. Active participation in sport not only provides children with increased fitness and enjoyment but also fosters physical and life skills. Being involved in sport should be fun or at least that's how it's supposed to be. .
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 and the concept of a fair go, two values Australians espouse to be an integral part of their culture. .
The problem transcends all age groups and levels of sport from the youngest amateur to the elite level sportsman. Referees, umpires and most commonly junior players some as young as seven are exposed to abusive and threatening behaviour each weekend.
You and I know that when it comes to children and sport parents are often one-eyed supporters. They yell abuse at the umpire over what they perceive to be an unfair decision and can often push their child to the limits where .
they can end up compromising the safety of their child or the opponent. .
These characteristics of a "U P" may seem somewhat mild when you hear about some cases in other parts of the world. I know I was both shocked and appalled when reading that in Boston, Massachusetts in July 2000 a father who was watching his son's hockey game beat another father with a hockey stick.