Brodlach wrote:I got to admit I use to be one of those ugly parents. Not at any of the players but more so at the senior umpires (not the kids). Thought it was right being a paying parent, how wrong I was. I’ve always encouraged the kids, from both teams, but the umpires use to get my back up. One in particular we would get week in week out. He didn’t like us and made it known so I returned the favour. Stupid me!
Today I encourage our team but just don’t say a word if possible. More just well done, Pats on the back at games end or clapping.
I make a concerted effort to go and congratulate the umpires and say "well umpired" after the game for any effort above satisfactory and I generally stick up for them if our supporters are having a sook.
It does make a difference next time you have them, they generally are only hearing crappy whinges like "how did he get rid of it"? so something positive at the end of the match is good.
Honestly, parents are so biased, their own team drops a ball in a tackle and it's "holding the man", the other team does it and it's "how did he get rid of it". It is quite laughable when you're out there.