A Limerick football club has warned parents they must stop “screaming and shouting at the sideline” or they will be banned from matches.
Following sustained abuse of referees by the players’ parents, the Moyross Utd Football Club has issued a “friendly reminder” to fans that their behaviour influences the behaviour of children.
The email also reminded parents that, “It DOES NOT help when parents give different instructions to their kids than the coaches have given them. It DOES NOT help when parents are shouting at their kids on the sideline. It DOES NOT help when parents give out about or to officials on the sideline.”
On Newstalk Breakfast, club secretary Frank Hogan said that the issue is not unique to Moyross United.
“Every club in the country is obviously experiencing the same thing,” he explained.
“So, we just decided now just to put it to bed and if rules are going to be broken, you're going to suffer the consequences and you will be asked to leave the grounds, you will be barred from the grounds.
“And the last thing we want to be doing is asking your child to follow suit.”
Mr Hogan continued that they are the only sporting organisation in Moyrass and they want all fans on the “straight and narrow”.
“It's just the screaming and shouting at the sideline,” he said.
“Pulling their child away, telling them what to do when their coaches are specifically setting them instructions to go out and do what they're been training to do.
“We're always struggling for volunteers because we are only doing it on a voluntary basis.
“If you want to take part, sign up, there's no point in dishing orders from the sideline if you don't want to be involved - it's not fair.
“It's just putting too much pressure on the children as well.”
Mr Hogan added that it is “fine” when parents are positively encouraging their child, but he objects to them shouting and roaring over a manager.
“We have to set a standard here,” he said.
Main image: A group of young children at a football match. Picture by: m@t.d / Alamy Stock Photo
