09/01/08

Topical Talk 5

Bad Behaviour in Sport
(no matter what level)

This week-end (August Bank Holiday 2003) has given us some classic examples of bad behaviour by people who ought to know better.   In the premiership match against Newcastle Utd., Sir Alex Ferguson* was seen by millions abusing the fourth official because of an 'injustice' that occurred on the pitch - he was sent off by the referee. Alec Stewart the England wicket keeper/batsman made it plainly obvious that he thought he was the victim of a bad umpiring decision when given out for a catch behind in the test match against South Africa at Headingley.   Tiger Woods without a doubt the world's best golfer, was throwing his clubs about after 1 shot of his second round, he did the same after his poor second shot also, at the NEC Invitational in Akron, Ohio which I am delighted to report was won by the genial Irishman Darren Clarke.

The worst example though took place at the Stade de France in Paris at the World Athletic Championships.  

A new rule was introduced at the beginning of the year regarding false starts in track events.   Only 1 false start will be allowed and if a second one occurs the offender(s) will be disqualified from the race, regardless of who was at fault for the first false start.

You may think this is a bad rule - as I do - but a rule it is, and everyone knows that it exists.   The time to get the rule changed or scrapped is not the first time it is implemented at a major event, but in a committee room with team officials etc long before it can come into effect.

So the scene is set, the heats of the 100 metres - the blue ribband of any athletics event.   One false start already and the sprinters get set and GO or in this case they GO but are immediately halted by the electronic technology which detects another false start.  The culprits are Assafa Powell from Jamaica and Jon Drummond, USA.  

Drummond refuses to accept the verdict and protests verbally at first and then in a manner which is completely new to the sporting arena.   I have seen this happen at political demonstrations by people with beards and sandals and in some woodland area where the protesters are trying to save a rare buttercup or endangered frog but never at a sporting event.

Jon Drummond lay down on the track and refused to budge, causing the whole meeting to be disrupted by some 45 minutes.   Even if the live TV audience was not massive his actions were soon broadcast on every news bulletin around the world for everyone to see.   Eventually he and the rest of the runners in his heat were dismissed from the track whilst the other heats were completed.   It seemed likely that some behind the scenes discussions may give the two athletes a second chance, but this was not to be.   The race went ahead with 2 empty lanes and like it or lump it Jon Drummond was out of the World Championships.

The point I am making is, "What chance have we of instilling any discipline on the youngsters coming through the ranks in sport?" if the people who ought to be role models act in the manner that they have done in the cases I have highlighted.

I am not only Chairman of Tyne Youth & Community Centre, I also act as voluntary Club Leader and believe me it is hard enough to keep young people in check without  getting abuse but most importantly - respect.   I dread to think what this constant drip drip  of bad behaviour tells the young angels what is and what is not acceptable.

I am sympathetic to Jon Drummond as I know how hard I trained so that I could take part in the World Transplant Games at the 100 metres, and cannot imagine what he must feel after putting in probably 2 years intensive training for what may be his one chance to be a World Champion.  

However, bad behaviour is bad behaviour and they have sent out a signal to every  kid who thinks he is hard done by or the victim of a 'bad' decision to do whatever they want.   Go on strike, throw your clubs about, swear at the umpire, abuse the referee or  whatever else you want to do.   I have seen an irate father punch a referee at an under 11 football match - how bad is that?

It is people like me and hundreds of volunteers, referees, linesmen, umpires and probably teachers too, who get the backlash.   The next step is that we simply say I don't need this abuse and we walk away and leave them to it.   Clubs close - no supervision, football matches are refereed by hapless and sometimes biased parents due to lack of referees and out of school hours sporting activity is non existent because the geography teacher does not need the hassle and takes his wife out instead.,

Result - we have less and less children/young people coming through the system and aspiring to the highest level and who do we blame?

In my experience it is usually the government.

Then we get some politician who has not played sport since he/she was in the infant school coming on and telling us that we do not produce world class athletes because of a lack of money.

I don't think so!

What do you think? - Let me know.

* Footnote - 20th October 2003,

Sir Alex Ferguson has been fined £10,000 and had a 2 match touchline ban imposed on him for his outrageous behaviour.   I have just heard the news on "5Live" and a spokesman says that Sir Alex is, "a little disappointed", and will sleep on the decision before deciding whether to appeal or not.