Why does sideline behaviour matter at junior sport?

Play by the Rules says the sidelines of a junior sport event can be an emotionally charged space, and that yelling and offensive language at an umpire can come to be seen as a "normal" reaction. It is not just about a few "bad apples": everyone has a role in modelling respectful environments.

Verbal abuse directed at officials, coaches and children can lead to:

• children dropping out because sport is not fun any more
• increased anxiety and stress for children, officials and coaches
• young participants showing poor sportspersonship, aggression and frustration
• strained relationships between parents and coaches.

A University of South Australia study found that when parents act positively, their children are more likely to be respectful to teammates and opposition, and when parents act negatively, their children are more likely to show disrespect and aggression.

Source: Play by the Rules, Sideline Behaviour (May 2025).