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An Auckland father has been banned from watching his daughter play netball after he reportedly swore, grabbed at the arm of the teacher coach and reduced the student referee to tears.
Northcross Intermediate principal Jonathon Tredray said the incident, before the school holidays, was "unsportsmanlike".
The school community was shocked and wanted to send a strong message that it was not okay.
"I rang Netball North Harbour and said 'this is shocking, it shouldn't be happening'," he said.
Mr Tredray said such behaviour from parents was rare. Students were taught how to act during competition.
"We have a student conduct of fair play," said Mr Tredray.
"We almost need one for some of the parents."
In 2002, Massey University researcher Janine Bannister analysed supporters' comments at children's matches, and found netball spectators more abusive than rugby fans.
Of five sports studied, netball was the only sport in which negative comments outnumbered positive.
Basketball spectators were the best behaved.
