Limerick football club tells parents to ‘keep your mouths closed’ and respect referees

Moyross Utd said sideline behaviour influences children and urged parents to leave coaching and refereeing to those responsible

Moyross Utd Football Club shared the reminder after witnessing the behaviour of some parents who attend matches to watch their children play. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

A football club in Limerick has reminded parents to “keep your mouths closed and respect the referees”, unless they want to become referees themselves.

Moyross Utd Football Club shared the reminder after witnessing the behaviour of some parents who attend matches to watch their children play.

“We have coaches in place to COACH the teams your kids play in. They give up their time as volunteers to plan and carry out training sessions, prepare for matches and coach matches from the sideline. They are there to develop the skills your kids have to the best of their ability,” the club said.

They noted that it helps when parents encourage the children and support the teams in the “correct manner”.

“It DOES NOT help when parents give different instructions to their kids than the coaches have given them. It DOES NOT help when parents are shouting at their kids on the sideline. It DOES NOT help when parents give out about or to officials on the sideline,” they said.

The club added that if parents want to become coaches, they can contact the club directly. If not, they should leave coaching to the “actual” coaches.

“If you want to become a referee, pick up the whistle and register to be one. Otherwise keep your mouths closed and respect the referees.

“This was a friendly reminder.... Behaviours on the sideline influence kids attitudes on the pitch. It’s up to all parents to be better. Leave the coaches coach and the referees referee,” the club said.