I've got to start this blog with a confession: when it comes to standing on the sidelines watching my kids play competitive sports, I am a bit of a shouty parent.
Now I'm nowhere near as bad as the parents you hear about who resort to violence in their efforts to cheer their kids on at sports matches and competitive games - I'd never intimidate the opposing team or criticise the ref, but I have been known to get a little vocal in my support for my kids. Maybe even a tiny bit carried away.
Which is why I was a bit miffed to read about the recent 'Respect Silent Weekend' initiative for under 10s to under 16s matches organised by Hampshire FA which saw parents slapped with a ban from shouting at children's football matches.
Instead of voicing their support from the sidelines, parents were urged to clap their kids. I kid you not.
The Sun reports:
"PARENTS were banned from shouting at children's football matches and issued with a code of conduct in a bid to halt a rise in violent incidents at grassroots football. The 'Respect Silent Weekend' initiative saw mums and dads hit with a gagging order which prevented them from cheering and communicating with youngsters on the pitch."
Under the initiative, parents were also advised not to question the referee or offer unsolicited advice to sports coaches. To ensure they kept to the rules, they were issued with a printed code of conduct before kick-off.
We'd love to hear what you think of this story. Do you think it's a wise move in the light of recent headlines about the negative effects on kids of overly aggressive parents on the sidelines? Or do you think asking parents to watch a competitive game in silence is a tad unreasonable?
Most importantly, how would you feel about being asked to remain silent on the sidelines when watching YOUR child play sport?
We had same in our IFA Development League in Newtownabbey, I thought it was a very positive initiative. The kids played more at ease, not even the coaches could shout instructions so it let them take the lead...building confidence in what they can do. Too often parents criticise not only their children but others in team sports and its wrong...children should be developed, encouraged to partake in physical activity and rewarded for being dedicated enough to go to training every week. Sure they are not all Ronaldo but who knows what's ahead of them when given the chance to play without pressure and for the love of the game. I would encourage this at least once a month.