Fans tread fine line between criticism and abuse

NEWCASTLE (Paul Nilsen's Women's Basketball Worldwide) - There are few things which upset fans of club teams more than players not acknowledging their support at the end of a game.
 
Perhaps even more so when there is an established ritual of handshakes and high-fives all round; a practice which, no matter the result of the game, has become woven into the very fabric of the game day experience at many women's clubs across the globe.
 
So with this in mind, it was with huge interest I read a story by Barbora Stuchlíková, the Slovak Republic correspondent for www.lovewomensbasketball.com.
 
Barbora penned an article about MBK Ruzomberok who controversially broke with tradition recently and chose to make a beeline for the locker rooms rather than saluting the support of the fans.
 
Not surprisingly it was an action which left supporters perplexed.
 
It was such a big deal that 48 hours later, the club's general manager, Stanislav Onuška, felt the need to offer a full explanation to fans via a statement on the official website.
 
It transpired that the decision of the team to leave the court immediately was apparently a pre-meditated action formulated during the game after a fan had verbally targeted Slávka Bučáková.
 
Outraged at the criticism of their veteran player - who has been a significant contributor to not only MBK Ruzomberok but to women's basketball in general down the years - the players and staff felt compelled to take a stand.
 
Apparently they were willing to accept collective criticism for their performance in the game but by singling out Bučáková, they all felt this was wholly unacceptable and a line had been crossed by the fan(s) concerned.
 
This is a fascinating story sice it opens up scope for a debate as to what is acceptable for those treading the boards and also those sat in the bleachers.
 
I have to declare from the outset that one of my pet hates in life is when rules are implemented or action taken because of the behaviour of a minority. Inevitably, it's the majority who get unfairly punished.
 
In this particular case, it would seem on the surface at least that some idiot with a big mouth caused hundreds of loyal fans - including children - to miss out on one of the special elements of the women's game that you rarely see in men's basketball.
 
Naturally I wasn't there so I'm not sure how nasty the abuse actually was. I also completely understand the logic behind taking what many would consider as relatively drastic action, since it might send out a message to fans that abusing players will not be tolerated.
 
It's a tough one to judge and especially when you aren't in possession of the full facts.
 
Abuse which involves cursing or has any kind of a discriminatory element based on race, religion, age, sexuality, nationality or disability is not acceptable in any way.
 
However, when it comes to stinging criticism (not abuse as such) then I feel athletes must accept this from fans in the sporting environment. It's just the way it is and they need to deal with it.
 
You see, sport isn't necessarily immune from the 'customer is always right' (except when abusive) mantra which permeates through the entire business world.
 
Players can't realistically expect to receive constructive and balanced criticism since sometimes I think it can be forgotten that when players and coaching staff move on to pastures new, the fans will still be there.
 
For players, a club is their employee but for fans, it's sometimes their life. Hence emotions run high and irrational comments will be made.
 
In the heat of the moment in particular, some fans don't appreciate the nuances of the game. Many fans only see in black and white, not the grey areas which their more discerning peers and most definitely the coaching and playing staff are involved with.
 
I believe the players of MBK Ruzomberok fully appreciate this sentiment and if abuse was given to Bučáková, their action is wholly understandable.
 
It does however beg the question about what happens the next time someone feels compelled to be abusive?
 
Most important of all, it throws up another critical question - just where exactly is the line for fans?
 
In the often more gentile environment of the women's game, I think there's one pretty good option whenever abuse occurs. This is for fans to exert peer pressure and work with arena staff to identify the culprit(s) and ensure they are firstly removed from the building and secondly, instructed never to return.
 
It would also ensure that the 99.9% of the other fans inside the venue are not unfairly punished by missing out on the chance to indulge in a rich tradition of handshakes and high fives due to the action of a moron(s).
 
Additionally,  what about very loud and persistent criticism?
 
It's human nature that a handful of people do enjoy baiting others and pointing out their shortcomings. Fairness rarely comes into it - just ask a referee of almost any sport, or perhaps a comedian out on stage.
 
While I wouldn't do it, is it acceptable to sit in the bleachers and shout to a player telling them they are useless for missing a lay-up? Can you tell a player they are lazy for not boxing out? Can you tell them they have no brain for dribbling down the court and making a bad decision to jack up a three?
 
It's a real can of worms.
 
I strongly defend the right of the fans to express their opinion(s). They pay their money and it is their right. Even more strongly, I defend the right of the club to eject abusive (but not merely critical and vocal) fans.
 
I feel supporters have responsibilities to ensure their peers do not cross the line. Self-management by fans is a concept which sometimes works best although it does also depend upon the culture.
 
To anyone who has only ever been to a men's game and particularly in certain countries, this entire column may seem a bit off the wall and an alien concept. After all, at most men's games I attend, I see numerous people shouting criticism and abuse, sometimes hundreds and if not thousands at the same time.
 
In women's basketball it's not quite the same although thankfully the passion is still there and this remains the most important thing.
 
Perhaps the best medicine to give anyone who feels like shouting abuse and criticism to their own players is to embarrass them by ramming their words back down their respective throats and letting the basketball do the talking.
 
So congratulations are most definitely due to MBK Ruzomberok for doing this in great style after punching their ticket to the quarter-finals of EuroCup Women last week with a superb road win at Optimum Ted Ankara.
 
I assume this meant handshakes and high fives all round when they returned home last weekend!

Paul Nilsen

FIBA

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