Encouraging spectator etiquette
The second rugby term is starting in parts of the country where rugby is still played and it may be worthwhile just to recall what a group of primary school heads did to encourage good manners on the touchline.
Sadly their good intentions have not always been carried out by staff and parents on the touchline but the good intentions are no less valuable and valid.
The letter which they sent to their parents was the initiative of SACS Junior School but endorsed by another 10 principals - those of Reddam House Prep School, Bishops Prep School, Rondebosch Boys’ Prep School, Durbanville Primary School, Sweet Valley Primary School, Eversdal Primary School, Western Province Prep School, Paarl Boys’ Primary School, Wynberg Boys’ Junior School and Paarl Gymnasium Primary School.
20 April, 2012
Dear parents
SUPPORT for SPORT IN 2012
As the schools’ Winter Sport season for 2012 is well under way, we feel that it is important to remind and urge our parents to support their sons’ teams. Inter-school sport, whenever and wherever it is played, is vital to all of our schools. It creates even more networking, school spirit and camaraderie amongst parents, teachers and families, especially on occasions such as Saturday Rugby. Our firm objective is to maintain good inter-personal ties while endorsing and encouraging appropriate, exemplary social behaviour, particularly as role models for children in our community.
As Heads, we urge parents and coaches to keep our playing area sidelines positive, enthusiastic and rational at all times. In the past, we have come across a few incidents of offensive adult behaviour. Although these have been on the decrease, they were thoroughly unpleasant and embarrassing, leading to intervention that is extremely awkward for parents and schools alike, especially for principals. Sledging of referees, umpires and players is not acceptable at our schools and any form of negative behaviour will lead to action being taken. Furthermore, we do not want negativity to influence a team’s performance. We also don't want players to start blaming referees or umpires for losing matches. If parents have legitimate complaints about incompetent referees or umpires, they are welcome to discuss this diplomatically with their school’s Head of Sport. These inter-school issues can be addressed as long as they are directed via the correct channels of communication which are in place for this purpose. After all, we are dealing with youngsters who are being given a great opportunity to play sport and have fun.
Schools in South Africa need and depend on one other to interact positively at many levels, rugby and hockey just being two of them. As adults and educators, it is in the interests of our boys that we support this process collectively to the best of our ability. While we wish to maintain a healthy spirit of rivalry, our inter-dependence as a region is vital.
We have a wonderful relationship with our Western Province and Boland schools as well as schools further afield. What we all thrive on is the constructive, positive support that we receive from parents and coaches. We value this greatly and thank you most sincerely, in anticipation.
May you all have an enjoyable and successful Winter Sport season. See you on the fields of play!
Signed by:
F M J Nel
Headmaster
SACS Junior
G Brown
Headmaster
Bishops Prep
J C Swart
Headmaster
Durbanville Primary
H Arangies
Headmaster
Eversdal Primary
H Bester
Headmaster
Paarl Boys’ Primary
M V Carstens
Headmaster
Paarl Gym Primary
Mrs A Woolley
Headmistress
Reddam House Prep
A Ryan
Headmaster
Rondebosch Boys’ Prep
I Ryan
Headmaster
Sweet Valley Primary
M Hosty
Headmaster
Western POrovince Preparatory School
C J Hart
Headmaster
Wynberg Boys’ Junior