A discussion on a social media platform once again brought to light the behaviour of “fans” at youth sporting events.
The writer was complaining with passion about the quality of the refereeing at a minor league hockey game on a particular morning at a particular time. His comments resulted in a number of answers, most of them suggesting he could take some training himself and assume the duties of keeping order on the ice surface.
This spirited debate brings back the memory of hearing a so-called respected member of the community loudly berating the officiating at a little league ball tournament. Then this person’s taunts and less than friendly language were turned upon the youngsters on the visiting team. The language and demeanour were a shocking revelation into the true character of this so-called fan.
It turns out the official from the morning hockey game was a youngster himself, doing his very best to call a fair game for both teams. It is unlikely that any call he made would have satisfied the armchair hockey player in the stands.
Over the years we’ve heard of adult officials halting games until abusive fans are removed from the building. Would a young referee be able to stand firm in making such a decision? Would it be safe for he or she to do so considering the belligerent tone and anger of the fan?
One youngster, we’ve been told, stopped officiating because of the threats from a spectator who disagreed with her ice-level calls. And we know of players who no longer participate because they are embarrassed by their parents in the arena and in the way they try to interfere with the job of the coaches. “My kid is going to the NHL and should be played more often so the scouts see him in action,” could be what some parents suggest, when in fact the youngster simply wants to play to have a good time and some fun with like-minded teammates.
Schools employ playground and hall monitors to watch for bullies and deflate skirmishes or inappropriate behaviour. Perhaps teams should appoint arena and ball diamond monitors to keep in check spectators who fail to understand the premise of good sportsmanship and what it means to enjoy the game both on and off the ice or diamond.
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
