26
Sep, 2023
LANGHORNE, PA – Pop Warner Little Scholars, the leading national youth football and cheerleading organization, has launched a public service campaign to address the growth of negative behavior among fans at youth sporting events.
The campaign uses young Pop Warner athletes to encourage adults in the stands to stop the aggressive behavior aimed at athletes, coaches, officials and other spectators. The program is highlighted by a PSA video, social media posts and other communications to be used nationally. Pop Warner has also changed its code of conduct to strengthen penalties against those who misbehave at events.
The trend of unacceptable behavior extends beyond just Pop Warner events. It has impacted nearly every youth and high school sport. Aggressive behavior, including taunting, threats and assaults from the sidelines is blamed for an estimated 50,000 high school referees quitting over a three year period, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.
“Adults are ruining sports for kids,” said Pop Warner Executive Director Jon Butler. “While most parents set a great example with their positive encouragement, there are too many examples of poor behavior among a vocal minority. It's making youth sports less attractive and fun for kids, families, coaches and officials, who are choosing to stay away rather than deal with the abuse. We need to end bad behavior across all sports. It’s time for the adults to be better.”
WATCH THE FAN BEHAVIOR PSA
About Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.
Founded in 1929 and headquartered in Langhorne, PA, Pop Warner Little Scholars is the nation’s oldest youth football, cheerleading and dance organization and the only youth sports organization that emphasizes academics as a prerequisite for participation. Pop Warner participants enjoy the opportunity to learn and compete in their sports in an atmosphere that emphasizes fun, safety, academics and character. For more information on Pop Warner and its programs visit www.popwarner.com or follow Pop Warner on Twitter. Instagram or Facebook.