We need to put an end to PlayStation parents roaring at kids

GAA parents are a curious breed. I was at a couple of under age games over the weekend and it never fails to amaze me when I hear Moms and Dads roaring out instructions with gusto to their young son or daughter about what to do on the field or with the ball.

It’s like they’re playing a PlayStation game and trying to control the people on the screen by frantically pressing buttons and steering everybody into the best positions. Shouting general encouragement is one thing, telling them what to do, where to go, or giving out if they make a mistake, are horrible pitfalls that some sports parents fall into. It’s as if the first whistle of the game is the catalyst for a complete metamorphosis from a normally calm, rational individual into some sort of foaming at the mouth lunatic who magnifies an underage game into a life and death battle.