As a parent your behaviour has a huge impact on how your child sees the world, how they feel about themselves and what they see as acceptable behaviour.

You have a responsibility to set a positive example and to support your child’s involvement in their chosen sport.  It is important to always:

• treat people with dignity and respect
• be positive and supportive
• acknowledge the things players, coaches and umpires do well
• be appropriate - if you disagree with a coach or an umpire, talk to them about it after the game
• accept that everyone makes mistakes – coaches, umpires and children – they shouldn’t be ridiculed for trying

If you do ‘lose your cool’, always apologise.

If a friend is starting to shout abuse at the coach, umpire or players

• Speak to them before it gets out of hand.

If other parents are displaying ‘ugly’ behaviour

You have two options depending on the behaviour, your knowledge of those involved and how confident you feel. You could:

• speak to them quietly
  • only do this if the behaviour has just begun, the person isn’t overly emotional and you’re comfortable taking this step
  • don’t embarrass them, argue or retaliate
    
    
• report the behaviour to the coach or ground official.

Ignoring the behaviour won’t solve the problem.  In fact, the behaviour is likely to continue and get worse.