Fan Harassment
How many times do I have to tell you...
So there I was, hangin' out at the soccer field, like I often do on a typical Saturday afternoon, and as I was sniffing trees and inventorying the regional fire hydrants, it came to me like a bolt of lightning...dogs never make fun of other dogs. Well, at least we keep it to ourselves. I mean, if I saw a Pekinese, or a Chihuahua, or a Poodle running around at the park, I'd probably intently watch as they ran around. My leash would be stretched taut, with my nose pointing directly at the little wondermuts, but inside I'd be laughing my little doggie butt off. However, I wouldn't be barking out rude comments and harassing remarks (or rebarks), the key to my self-control is that I would keep it to myself. My doggy daddy told me once, "it is better to remain silent and be thought an idiot, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt," it seems to be relevant.
Humans, on the other paw, are often cruel and unusual in their commentary. Some boneheads actually insight rioting with their callous remarks. If you question this wisdom, I'd be glad to point you in the direction of fan violence in Europe, and other parts of the world...in fact, you don't have to look outside this country to find plenty of examples of fan rioting.
At the soccer fields, I witness a plethora of humans screaming stupid things at each other and at players. (I don't mean to insinuate that players are not humans, although some seem almost superhuman.) I don't believe this to be a healthy practice. Is it so hard to be better? to rise above? to not allow oneself to stoop to the lows of immature insults? Judging by past and current experience, evidently not.
We have all experienced this kind of ignorance, and some of us have even partaken in this kind of ignorance. But what can we do to help put and end to this? First we have to determine whose responsibility it is.
Is it the responsibility of the individuals who shout inane remarks? Yes. Can we expect that these people will exercise self-control and abstain from such shoutings? No chance. Thus we must look further.
Is it the responsibility of the referees and game officials? Yes. Should we expect them to clamp down on the remarks and take disciplinary action. Yes. The problem is that the referees are plenty busy keeping control of the game on the field, without trying to police the fans. In addition, many of the things said to players are not even heard by an official. Regardless, it is imperative for the officials to discipline the offending parties whenever possible. I'm pretty sure that verbal warnings aren't very effective. So what works then? We'll get back to that.
Is it the responsibility of the coaches? Yes. Can we expect the coaches to control their fans? Yes. It is necessary for each coach to keep the fans in line. How should the coach do this? Bullwhip? Cattle prod? Pepper spray? I don't know exactly. If I knew all of the answers I wouldn't be writing this now...I'd be Ruler of the Universe.
Regarding the earlier point about what might work for the officials, how about fines. Everybody hates paying money for anything. Let the officials fine teams for disruptive and unsportsmanlike fans. Make the appeal process quick and decisive. Teams have to pay the fine prior to the next league, tournament or post league playoff game. It should be a reasonable amount initially. Say $20.00. This fine would increase for every incident. The officials would be notified prior to the next match and a receipt of payment must be shown to the official prior to kickoff or the game will be recorded as a forfeit. The coach will be responsible for paying the fine. It can be paid out of the coach's pocket, or a team account, or the club could pay it, or more effectively the offending fan could pay it.
Another way to deal with the problem is to eject the fan who is the problem. The fan has to leave the field at the request of the officials and the game will not resume until the fan is gone. Maybe these are harsh punishments, but the harassment from the fans often has dire consequences.
Picture this typical scenario. Mr. A, a fan from the Greyhounds team, tells Player H on the Coyotes, "you should take up another sport since my grandmother can play better than you!" Player H tells Mr. A to go moon himself in front of a mirror. Mr. A's son on the Greyhounds, doesn't like what player H said to his papa, so Little A jr. takes a cheap shot at Player H, a cleverly disguised diving header to the groin. Player H gets up, and in a slightly higher voice, tells Little A jr. that he is going to get him back next chance. Player Z, Player H's teammate and close personal friend, happens to be marking Little A jr. on the next play. Z takes out the ball, A jr.'s ankle, one left shinguard and about 28 ounces of grass. Things escalate and pretty soon the entire event ends with 2 ejected players, 5 cautions, fifteen bruises, half-a-dozen threats and one uncomfortable kid with a soprano range.
Mr. A drives home his son Little A-Sharp, and complains all the way about how out-of-control the game became.
What do you think? I want to hear your suggestions. E-mail me.
Ciao for now.
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