20 Mar 2025

Inappropriate behaviour on the sidelines in focus

From Afternoons, 1:15 pm on 20 March 2025
New Zealand rugby referee Ben O'Keeffe

New Zealand rugby referee Ben O'Keeffe Photo: PHOTOSPORT

When we're on the sidelines of our kid's sports, it's easy to be impassioned - but you that passion can turns into aggression very quickly.

Sideline abuse is on the rise, with more than 60 percent of coaches and referees in Auckland reporting inappropriate behaviour at least once or twice a season.

That's why a group of Auckland sports organisations are banding together to launch the 'Love Their Game' campaign.

Respected rugby referee Ben O'Keeffe is fronting the cause, and talks to Jesse about the issue.