Adults Need To Control Themselves

To the Editor:

As an ex-referee with the Newtown Parks and Recreation Basketball League, I have experienced the disturbing phenomenon of parents and coaches causing a great disturbance during the basketball games. This practice has become a serious problem for both the players and referees. Throwing shoes, pounding on the floor, screaming at the referees, and getting into arguments with opposing coaches are only a few examples of the conduct dealt with during the weekly blood battles at the Middle School Gyms. The inappropriate remarks from coaches and parents are not only discouraging to the referees, but they are also a shameful representation of Newtown. Furthermore, technical fouls must be given throughout the day to the most blatant violators of the rules of good sportsmanship, including coaches and rowdy parents. Unfortunately, this rowdiness becomes more frequent as the season progresses. I, myself, am disgusted with the behavior of these adults, and I am embarrassed for them.

The referees are trained to know the rules of basketball and are there to make the best calls for both teams involved. We are not professionals, and do not claim to be perfect, but we try to do the best job we can. However, problems have surmounted from the various opinions of coaches and fans. Each referee has the responsibility to make the games not only fair but fun for the players. I have had a few players come up to me and say how embarrassing it is to play on a team where the coach is so out of control. Can you just imagine what would happen if one of the players were as unsportsmanlike as some of their coaches? Can you just imagine what the coaches and the fans would think?

I suggest we do something about this issue right away. Sending parents to sportsmanship classes and enforcing a sportsmanship policy is a start. I highly recommend that adults begin to control themselves and set a positive example for their children.

Chris Lyddy

3 Smoke Rise Ridge, Newtown                                    November 12, 2000