What Do You Do With an Irate Parent or Spectator

 

After personally witnessing numerous parents violating all kinds of rules in a USTA championship tournament, I think we can all agree that its high time that something is done to deal with this issue.  Parents are regularly seen coaching their children, questioning their opponents verbally and physically, and often times verbally confronting officials during and after a match--that's why steps need to be taken to remedy the problem...

Perhaps the area of the most flagrant violations are found in USTA events.  Mere lip service is usually given to the offenders by the USTA and in order for the problem to be resolved, there needs to be quick punitive actions taken against the offenders.   A casual letter it simply not enough--make the penalties strong and firm and then make sure they are enforced.  

The UIL tennis arena does a far better job in controlling cheating and abusive parents and spectators.  When a parent or spectator is being abusive, the official first warns the offender and notifies the coach of the associated team.  If they offend a second time, they are removed from the facility.   If the problem persists, the UIL is quick to remedy the problem--thank goodness!

We would welcome your suggestions on how to deal with this problem.  Check the comments tab below and let us hear from you...