Bad Behaviour and Disrespect
Sports Focus has recently noticed a steep increase in the reports of violent behaviour and disrespect – especially in junior clubs.
We’ve all seen the headlines – ugly, violent behaviour has permeated our local sport. Don’t let your club become the next headline.
The issue:
“Positive attitudes and conduct make sport enjoyable for everyone. Some people can ruin the experience with poor behaviour. This can include things like undue pressure, abuse, taunting, poor sportsmanship, foul language, harassment, bullying, victimisation and more. It can be verbal, written, physical or emotional.
Poor behaviour can occur in many places – during play, on the sidelines, at training, in the clubhouse or outside of the sporting arena.
It can be coaches, players, parents, spectators, officials or administrators that behave poorly. Any one of these people, children or adults, can be the victim of poor conduct too.
Poor behaviour stems from a lack of respect. Showing respect is so important, particularly for young people. It’s important to teach respect for coaches, team mates, officials and anyone else involved in your sport.”- Play by the Rules
How to address bad behaviour
“It’s not easy, but bad behaviour needs to be called out. The bad behaviour of some people at your club is distressing for many. There should be no excuses made for people who choose to behave poorly. When it’s not addressed properly it can mean:
- Physical or emotional trauma caused to an individual or group
- Negative modeling to young people and a bit (or a lot) of ‘follow the leader’
- Translation of bad behavior into homes, workplaces and relationships
- General unrest and dissatisfaction among members
- Decreased participation of volunteers
- Loss of players
- Declining membership
- Difficulty attracting new members
- Difficulty attracting sponsorship.”
Club Respect has developed a SMART Steps guide with strategies that you and your club can adopt to deal with bad behaviours, safely and constructively.
For more information, please visit Club Respect by clicking here…
Resources
For more resources, please click here.
If your club would like further support, please contact us.