In the middle is the seemingly simple answer – to just support with encouragement, urging youngsters to play their best and have fun. No judgement.

Culture has really changed in Ballarat the past decade with our sporting leagues and clubs adopting codes of conduct and self-policing poor sideline behaviour.

We would be mad to think parental white line fever has been completely eradicated from our sidelines.

Australian Sports Commission and the ABC are backing a new campaign ‘Let Kids Be Kids’, launched this week, aimed out stamping out negative behaviour in a bid to keep junior playing and involved in sports longer.

Melbourne Vixens netballer Caitlin Thwaites, a campaign ambassador, told ABC Breakfast it was not just about parents yelling mean things. Thwaites said being overly instructional and focusing too much on winning was far more common and added to the pressure on young athletes not wanting to make a mistake.

It is not always just parents either.

Tea-rooms across the region were filled with impassioned debate and speculation about Boat Race and the ripples the boys’ firsts race created earlier this week.

A controversial technical call at the finish on Sunday became a re-row on Wednesday for the Ballarat Associated Schools Head of the Lake crown.

Ultimately, the race is just school sport.

School and junior sports are a massive deal for those right in the thick of action. There can be plenty of excitement about junior events and a strong desire to see your child – or former school – do well.

This is where the lines can get blurred between what is perceived to be helpful and downright crippling.

At such an impressionable age, particularly when participation rates drop off in teenage years, it is vital to be aware of the impact comments can make not just on the crop in the spotlight, but the next generation pushing through.

Perhaps potential future senior rowers.

On smaller junior sporting stages, poor sideline comments can be heard and felt more acutely.

Who are the ‘critiques’ and parental coaching tips really helping?

‘Let Kids Be Kids’ offers tips and tools for all involved in junior and school sports to promote a fun environment but there are lots of great elite sporting examples, like AFLW where crowds generally offer a supportive, positive environment with fans cheering all players’ skills.

It is in great contrast to the somewhat accepted jeering vocal critics often found hanging over the fence in men’s football.

Sport is an incredible learning tool for youngsters, including in how to be a good loser and how to strive to be the best you can be, without misguided extra tips.

The most talented juniors do not always become elite athletes but the best lesson in juniors is in developing a passion for the game, regardless of elite potential.