Opinion

matter how offensive it may be, it is widely and roundly used along with other swear words as a matter of course. Over the years it has spilled over into all aspects of life, sadly with more and more younger children resorting to its usage.

But what happens when someone has the temerity to challenge this situation? They end up being criticised and held up to ridicule as this page has demonstrated over the last three weeks.

Steeton Football Club has taken umbrage over a letter published from a concerned member of the public about the torrent of foul language which flows during some games. It is good that the club has a policy on this matter and rules do apply which could lead to action being taken by referees.

But that is not good enough. Today's comments from the referee on this page will make very little difference.

The debate on this issue is much wider. These rules exist because a democratic decision was made about them and laws passed to enforce them. Yet daily the vast majority of people openly flaunt them - because they are not really serious. Apart from swearing, the list of examples is almost endless - parking on pavements, not wearing seat belts, dropping litter and so on.

But many of those who break such basic and simple rules of society are the first to complain when the 'f' word pours out from the television set, video or cinema screen. If adults policed themselves then children's

attitudes would also change.

So here is a sporting challenge. If referee Mr Miller is right that bad language on the sports field will never be eradicated let's turn it to an advantage. If 5p were donated for every foul utterance during the current season then there would be more than enough in the kitty to send golden girl Katie Whitaker to the special Olympics next June (see page 1 story). Better still, make it a pound coin for every curse issued in the direction of the referee and linesmen.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.