Campaign launched to promote “good sports” behaviour

Campaign launched to promote “good sports” behaviour Back to News

A new regional campaign has been launched to unite the community in promoting positive behaviour in sport.

Sport Whanganui has launched the ‘Community Good Sports’ campaign – being backed by former Silver Fern Joline Henry and former All Black Glen Osborne (the campaign’s lead ambassadors), Dub.Dee.See. Youth Committee and For Our Kids – to help minimise negative behaviour and ensure our sporting community is a positive and supportive place for all.

The launch follows Sport Whanganui’s engagement with the region’s sports codes, clubs, schools and community groups to gain insight into issues they’re facing and help build awareness and buy-in.

Sport Whanganui’s community sport leader, Jodie Brunger, who is coordinating the campaign, says: “We’ve all witnessed it – the yelling and bad behaviour on the side-line and during the game. People often complain and agree someone should do something, but many aren’t sure what to do or say. The issue is complicated, with many different expectations, values and beliefs across our community.

“There’s a real need for this campaign, with many groups and organisations affected and seeing a need to address the issue. There especially seems to be a need in relation to sport involving 5-18 year olds, and it’s crucial our young people are exposed to positive sporting experience, so they go on to reach their full potential and view sport as a positive part of a healthy lifestyle.

“We’ve established a ‘Community Good Sports’ project team and developed a strategy and action plan. A key focus will be on providing information and resources to help organisations, groups and individuals to establish the policies, processes, personnel and action plans necessary to help bring about positive change within their sporting culture.

“The support provided will be tailored to meet individual needs and will be designed to be adaptable and to work alongside other national guidelines in place.

“A major part will be to support them in engaging their stakeholders (athletes, players, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, fans and the wider community) in a campaign where everyone becomes invested in minimising negative behaviour and bringing about positive outcomes for the whole community.”

The campaign carries the slogan “be a sport and just support!” and is guided by five key points aimed at promoting positive and supportive behaviour:

• They’re kids
• Coaches are volunteers
• Refs are human
• It’s a game
• Let success be their dream

Campaign information packs – including a campaign outline, guidelines, a brochure highlighting “10 tips for creating a community good sport” and posters featuring local youngsters – are being distributed. These resources are also available to view and download at www.SportWhanganui.co.nz.

Jodie adds: “We’ll gradually be rolling out the campaign in stages, including continuing to raise awareness and approach and engage groups and organisations to gain buy-in and offer support.

“Our approach, as the campaign information resources highlight, will be to focus on promoting a positive and proactive approach to this issue – how we should act, what we should do.”

Anyone wishing to find out more or get involved in the ‘Community Good Sports’ campaign can head to the Sport Whanganui website or contact Jodie Brunger or Clare Lynch on (06) 349 2300.