THE INFLUENCE OF PARENTS AND ROLE MODELS IN SPORT

Good parents, teachers and coaches understand the importance of striking a balance between setting ambitious goals and maintaining realistic expectations. While adults may consider themselves fully supportive of children under their direct supervision, the comments they make about sports personalities can also be very influential in encouraging, or demotivating, children. While constructive criticism is a healthy tool for human development, degrading sportspersons can also send the wrong signals to children.

The improved accessibility of the internet and advent of social media has made it easier to connect and interact with sporting personalities. While this is an advantageous tool expertly used by many sports persons to connect with their fans, it also creates a direct opportunity for detractors to insult and humiliate those athletes who may not be their favorites. Some persons have even become famous solely through “trolling” athletes publicly.

The vitriol some persons directed at our Olympic athletes last year, inclusive of parodies, skits and “memes”, is only one example of how social media has made it easier today to taunt sporting personalities. The way some persons lambaste certain national footballers or regional cricketers through social media is another example. While some may see this as harmless fun, consideration should be given to the impression it gives young children.

How will a young child react to hearing an Olympic silver medalist referred to as a “failure” or a “choker”? Will that child seriously appreciate your congratulations on the bronze medal earned at the village sports day? How does a child respond to hearing you call the national football or regional cricketer a “hound”? Will that child truly appreciate your consolation when they are not selected on the school team?

Children may lose motivation to train diligently and maintain active lifestyles when their sporting icons are denigrated for so-called failures. Few humans become world beaters. Of the benefits children, can attain through participation in sport; healthy bodies and minds are the most important. For most human beings, success through sport will not be world records or championships but the wellness and quality of life that participation in sport will promote.