The Parents
The Coach
As a referee one of my biggest hates on the pitch is listening to coaches berating their players, yelling at them to “get rid”, “shoot”, and “what did you do that for”, instead of encouraging them on the pitch. Also, during a game managers and coaches putting down opposition players and then trading insults with each other. Nothing gives me more joy than sending this style of coach away from the pitch. In my experiences of doing this, the players usually play a lot better. They begin to play with more freedom and are not afraid to make mistakes. Unfortunately, I have seen too many players walk away from the game they love because of coaches “playing at all costs”.
Like I said earlier, there are a lot of fantastic coaches out there who do put themselves through the coaching ladder, obtaining their coaching badges. Basically, these coaches see the benefits in educating themselves before the try to develop future players. There are also clubs out there who see the benefits for their players and pay for their coaches coaching courses. Those are normally the clubs that do not put up with the bad coaches or bad parents and as a result rarely have any trouble that result in abandoned games. Quite the opposite in fact. They are usually the clubs that have players keen to transfer and play for them.
The Leagues and the FAI
I believe that any instances of abusive or aggressive behaviour where a child’s welfare is at risk should incur massive fines for the club. I would also go so far as saying that lifetime bans should be imposed on any parent/supporter that strikes a player, coach or match official, in addition to being reported to the Gardai for assault.
Author: Phil McGrath
4th Year Recreation and Sport Management Student