I'm the opposite, I think it's a real shame that more families can't get to sports days. When I was a kid it was a huge thing at our school and yes, you'd have families and grandparents and younger kids all there cheering on. It was a real social day with lots of competition between sporting houses etc. At the school my DS1 goes to for high school, school sport is a HUGE thing, and I mean HUGE. when socialising with other parents the second thing they ask you after your name is what sporting house is your child in and I think that's fantastic. It creates a wonderful community and friendly rivalry at the school. Parents and extended family are always encouraged to attend and wear the appropriate house colours. At his swimming carnival it was like being at an international soccer match for all the crowds and cheering and it was a great atmosphere. I'm really looking forward to their beach carnival next friday as that is apparently a sight to behold - they have a formal march past in their house colours and everything. I can't wait.

BUT, it does sound like the overall day was a bit poorly run and I get what you mean about your presence interfering with your child. DS2 is like that - as soon as he knows I'm watching him do something, he stops what he's doing and just stands there. so I tend to hang back and not let him see me.