Parents banned from school sports days in London borough due to badly behaved parents

"Nicola Ryan, the partnership's director, cited too many concerning behaviours to be able to continue to accommodate spectators, according to The Times. Examples of bad behaviour included impeding runners by cutting across finishing lines and abuse towards officials and other children. The letter also reportedly highlights the creation of a stressful environment for the participants, with too much pressure around performance and winning at all costs."

"Some parents were acting as coaches and challenging organisers and officials around rules and decisions, while there were also instances of parents posting photos of children online without consent. The partnership says the decision was not taken lightly. "We hope you will appreciate that our decision is in the best interest and for the safety and welfare of all the children taking part," the letter adds."

""Whilst I understand how disappointed those parents will be, I know they, like me, would not want any child, teacher, or volunteer to ever feel unsafe or threatened at what should be an enjoyable family-friendly event. The focus must always be on creating a positive environment for young people to enjoy sport and develop teamwork and confidence," he added."

Parents have been banned from school sporting events across a southwest London borough after repeated incidents of disruptive and unsafe behaviour. The Merton School Sport Partnership runs events for more than 40 primary schools and cited behaviours including cutting across finishing lines, abusing officials and creating a high-pressure, stressful environment for children. Some parents challenged organisers, acted as coaches, and posted photos of children without consent. The partnership framed the ban as necessary for child safety and welfare and described the decision as not taken lightly. A local MP called the ban disappointing but supported prioritising a positive, safe environment for pupils.

Read at www.standard.co.uk