ILLUSTRATIONS BY CLARA NICOLL
We’ve all seen them, and at every level of sport: the parents who get overinvolved, incessantly shouting at their children on the field, telling them what to do, running them down, showing their rage at decisions by match officials that go against “our Jonny”. Naturally, they want the best for their boys and girls, and there is usually a healthy identification with and encouragement of their talent and performance. But some say parental behaviour is becoming worse, more vociferous, tribal and partisan. And there are stories of referees and umpires giving up in the face of abuse and—at times— violence. It may even result in a crisis in the recruitment and long-term commitment of these essential officials.