Indian parents second rudest viewers at kids’ athletic events in the world

NEW YORK - Americans have pipped Indians to be named the world’s rudest spectators at athletic events of kids, says a new poll.

The joint Reuters/Ipsos poll, which asked 23,000 adults from 22 countries, found that around 60 percent of U.S. residents are likely to see a parent being abusive toward a coach or other official at a child’s sports event. They were followed by Indians at 59 percent, Italians (55 percent), Argentineans (54 percent), Canadians (53 percent) and Australians (50 percent).

Officials at kids’ sporting events fare better on the field in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Japan and France, reports The New York Daily News.

“It’s ironic that the United States, which prides itself in being the most civilized country in the world, has the largest group of adults having witnessed abusive behavior at children’s sporting events,” Ipsos senior vice president John Wright said.

“There is clearly a fine line between participatory enthusiasm and abuse and parents, as role models, have got to keep that in mind and keep themselves in check for the sake of their children,” Wright said. (ANI)