It's a problem ingrained in sport with some codes being worse than others, but while the stars of the game continue to show the lack of respect towards the decisions being made it will be a problem that will always be around.

How do you stop the problem? Well for a start you can hand out tougher punishments for the offenders on the biggest stage.

Some will say that a $5000 fine given to Marsh would be enough, but I disagree. If you swore twice at an official regardless of the sport at a local level I can almost guarantee that player would get a stint on the sideline.

If the kids coming up through the grassroots see the actions of Marsh and how he got a slap on the wrist, they'll repeat his actions on field.

This is how this behaviour continues and becomes ingrained.

Cricket is in no way the worst offender when it comes to this, but the actions of Marsh highlight that there's still an issue that needs to be dealt with.

Sports who have worse track records such as football or rugby league have ways of temporarily taking players out of the game if they chose to cross the line, but that behaviour continually creeps into the game.

The issue comes down to respect and the decision of the referee or umpire, whether it be right or wrong, needs to be respected.

One aspect that really needs to be remembered and understood, is that sporting officials will make mistakes. They are human, and players have to accept that no one is going to be correct all of the time.

The other factor is that without the many referees and umpires most sports wouldn't be possible.

Many people volunteer to become referees so people can play, they don't and shouldn't expect to see bad behaviour.

So head out on to the field and treat those in charge with the respect or better yet if you think you'd do a better job put your money where your mouth is and help out.

There is always room for more officials and there's no better way to get the best seat in the house.

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