Opinion: Negative sideline comments need to stop

On Saturday, myself and a large crowd of spectators were treated to an enthralling game of rugby between John Paul College and Western Heights High School.

It was a classic local derby full of passion and desire - a real spectacle.

Unfortunately, it only takes one idiotic comment to tarnish what was otherwise a fantastic experience.

I was outraged to hear someone on the sideline, a grown man, yell out "ref, keep an eye on Jenny Craig", a clear dig at the weight of one of the boys playing.

Regardless of which team you support, this is a secondary school game. Despite producing rugby that grown men would be proud of, these are children.

I found the comment in question sad, pathetic and infuriating. If I had children playing sport and I knew they had been exposed to such abuse I would be absolutely devastated.

There is no place for negative sideline behaviour any time, let alone when watching young people play.

I spend a lot of time on the sidelines at various sports and overall, the behaviour in Rotorua has been largely positive. Unfortunately, parents and "supporters" becoming over-involved, and in this case downright nasty, is not unheard of.

It's important to remind ourselves of why most children play sport in the first place - to have fun.

Yes, secondary school sport rugby is at a level now where there can be a lot on the line, but the players are not adult professionals and negative comments can have long-lasting effects.

They are not All Blacks. It is not a world cup.

Whatever the sport, whatever the level it is being played at, let's celebrate and support our young sports stars.

If you can't manage that perhaps you should stay at home.