What is with the boo'ing at rugby?

Question

Can anyone tell me why its great to boo at the games. I am absolutely horrified at this behaviour. In fact what it shows is lack of good sportsmanship.

Surely, when going to the games all you are wanting to see is good play. Yes, obviously you are there to support YOUR team, however, if the opposition have such good play acknowledgement of this should be easy to come by. Why the constant boo'ing? Is it because this should put the opposition off their game. I always thought that players were in a "Zone" anyway. They should be so focused on their game plan that nothing should interfere. Does anyone remember the days when the entire stadium would go silent for either a penalty or conversion kick?

So why do the crowd boo?

Answer 1

haha boo'ing is all just part of the game.

You want your team to win so you boo the other team; its natural to always view the opposition as bad guys.

And im not sure which games you watch but when someone kicks for goal there is no boo'ing.

And people mostly boo when a bad decision has been made but either the players or the refferees.

Answer 2

Jules,

I'm with you. Rugby used to be a more classy game and the supporters were the same. Obviously from the English Public (ie:private) Schools origin. As a kiwi originally from Ch CH and now an Oz citizen the booing is just NOT CRICKET !! Too many ferrils have infiltrated the game !!

Wouldn't have happened 15 years ago !!

Answer 3

I don't agree with it, but I reckon they think it'll put the other team off.

Imagine running onto a packed field and having 50000 people booing at you.

Answer 4

to put the other teams concentration off.

Answer 5

you are probably talking about rugby league. go to a local rugby league game to see some serious booing and sledging. rugby union still has it but nowhere near to the same extent.

Answer 6

I agree - I was appalled when I first heard the booing at games - and yes it certainly DOES happen when people are kicking for goal/penalties.  Booing is really poor sportsmanship from the supporters and however much you want your team to win it shows a lack of respect.  Imagine how it owuld feel to be at an away game when you would have fewer supporters.  I have heard very little booing at Twickenham games but it does seem to be rife in NZ.  Mind you I can still remember applauding good play by the opposing team too!

Answer 7

I find booing the goal kicker disgraceful but let's say if a player did something bad like a really high dangerous tackle to a player on the team you support, there are obviously going to be people that boo.

Anyway, ant to hear silence during goal kicks, go to Thomond Park. I think silence puts off goal kickers more than booing anyway.

Answer 8

I don't know which Rugby game you have been watching but there is always total respect when players are taking conversions and I haven't come across any booing.

Answer 9

Yeah it is bad sportmanship but I chant miss, miss, miss when I'm at home, hoping that will make someone miss the conversion or penalty...lol

It is a bit poor..but I don't take it too seriously and I don't think the players do either

Answer 10

I agree, I hate the booing that has come involved in our rugby.

I notice lots of neutral crowds boo the big teams at the 7's competitions whenever they score against the smaller teams which gets boresome.