Justin Langer’s feature article in The West Australian on Saturday, 31 August 2024 spoke to the need for WA sporting communities to advocate for behavioural change. The call out for change at all levels of sport shines through as the key message, following some reported incidents of poor sideline behaviour at community sporting matches in recent weeks.
Exert from The West Australian on Saturday, 31 August 2024:
Justin Langer: How disgraceful acts from the sidelines are ruining sport now and in the future
“Parents, guardians and grandparents are as important in being good role models and setting an example for their kids in community sport as anyone. By setting the example for how to treat fellow players, coaches and umpires respectfully, we are likely to see kids following in their parents’ behaviours.
Community sport is about fun and enjoyment. Parents have an important role in encouraging and modelling respectable behaviours. Win, lose, or draw, being positive with your kids and encouraging them will not only keep them in the game longer but will usually help them play better as well.
A coffee this week with SportWest managers Matt Bamford and Jasmine Cappellucci provided hope for the future.
SportWest’s True Sport Sideline Behaviour Initiative seeks to increase public awareness of the impact of poor sideline behaviour in sporting environments here in WA.
It is encouraging to see organisations like SportWest providing tangible resources to assist sports in building and maintaining a culture of respect and enjoyment.
Initiatives like improved security measures, fan education programs, and stricter penalties for misconduct are often implemented across various sports to counteract extreme incidents. But the responsibility ultimately lies with each spectator.
The true spirit of sport lies not in blind allegiance or hostility toward opponents but in the appreciation of skill, the thrill of competition, and the unifying power of shared experience.
As spectators, we have the power to shape the narrative so that when future generations look back, they see not disgrace but dignity in how we supported the games we love. That is one of the responsibilities of being a role model to your children.
I have been privileged to grow into who I am today because of sporting communities that I know are worth protecting. Poor behaviour has no place in sports at any level, and while these incidents are in the minority, they cannot be accepted.
We all have a role to play in creating a positive environment in community sports, because the benefits are limitless.”
SportWest thanks Justin for his continued advocacy of a stronger, safer sports industry for all players, parents and volunteers and overall support of the True Sport Sideline Behaviour Initiative.
