Parents always want the best for their kids.
However, some would go beyond misbehaving when the tough gets going.
Sadly, many parents misbehave and think they know better than sports officials.
These past few days, it has been quite a trend that some moms and dads are caught on camera berating referees and umpires.
The number of cases is quite alarming, which is why a small town in New Jersey came up with a unique idea.
Deptford Township had an innovative solution regarding the alarming complaints about parents who continues to be rude during a game.
Due to the demeaning behavior of parents, many sports arbiters have been resigning from being volunteers.
This creative rule is a good way to regulate those unwanted behaviors and prevent them from further conducting disrespectful acts to those who enforce the game’s guidelines.
The Little League season has already started, and organizers thought it would be best to apply this ruling.
The overreaction of parents has made two volunteers resign from their posts over the past weeks.
“They’re coming here, they’re being abused, they don’t need that. So they’re walking away,” said Don Bozzufi, Deptford Township Little League President.
The new rule: If you argue with an umpire, you’ll need to officiate three games voluntarily.
This rule means you must do the consequence before being allowed again in the complex as a spectator.
Now, that is a serious sanction.
“The main purpose is not for them to be able to call a baseball game but for them to see what’s going on out here, and it’s not that easy,” said Bozzuffi.
Some guardians and spectators just go overboard and think that they are better at calling the shots than the person who officiates.
But sometimes, these things escalate, which leads to undesirable interactions between the two parties.
What an unsightly incident!
There are parents or guardians who cannot help themselves display bad behavior, such as shouting and arguing with referees and umpires.
The founder of the Facebook page Offside shares his insights regarding how officials are being treated.
“People are very comfortable making officials uncomfortable, so it’s about time that we’ve reversed the trend and started making people uncomfortable who are harassing officials,” said Brian Barlow.
A new rule for new reform.
Bouzanni hopes that this new rule will make a more positive impact on kids during their game.
In addition to that, a certified umpire will still be present to check if the calls made are correct.
After all, any issue should be discussed properly with their coach or manager.
Ain’t that a better way?
Many people who support the game think the rule is a good way of regulating those angry parents and watchers.
“If the parents are going to be sitting there yelling the whole entire game, they might as well use that energy out on the field,” Kateland Tokley told WPVI-TV, who is also a mother in Somerdale.
Learn more about this creative rule by watching the video below!
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