Many of Central’s youth hit the turf, courts and fields and whanau returned to the sidelines last weekend as winter sport kicked off. 

Sport Central Community Sport Advisor Jo Knight said positive sideline behaviour was really important to help young people enjoy their time playing sport.

In a survey carried out in August 2021, Central Otago youth stated their reasons for playing sport.

Forty six percent said they played sport to have fun and 29 percent said they played to hang out with friends or family.

An additional 20 percent said it was for fitness and learning new skills, four percent said to feel good and only one percent said for competition.

Jo said as parents and supporters, we need to focus on fun and enjoyment.

Jo Knight plans to champion positive sideline behaviour this winter. PHOTO: Supplied

“Children need to hear positive, encouraging comments from the side-lines. Refrain from yelling instructions, or talking to the ref. Instead, try ‘good job’, ‘awesome pass’, ‘excellent teamwork everybody’, Hōake tatou (let’s go!), Ka rawe! (excellent).  Remember-it’s their time, let them shine!” 

Jo is attending a hui in Wellington this week on behalf of Sport Central on ‘Good Sports’ - a culture change project designed to promote positive experiences for young people in sport, ensuring they develop a life-long love of sport and continue playing for years to come.

She said any local sports clubs or coaches that would like assistance or ideas to promote positive sideline behaviour are welcome to get in touch with Sport Central.

“Everyone is so excited to be able to play their sports again and get along to things like rugby practices again.”

Along with the culture change project Good Sports, Sport New Zealand’s has created Balance is Better is an evidence-based philosophy to support quality sport experiences for all young people, regardless of ability, needs and motivations. It is about young people staying involved in sport for life and realising their potential at the right time.

The Balance is Better website explained that if we're going to change this, we need to improve what's happening at the grass roots and for those involved in delivering youth sport to think differently. Thinking about how we can put the fun and skill development back into kids sport is the main theme of the philosophy.

There is an informative video below that all whanau can watch about how to be the best supporter which covers key reminders on how to behave.

The five golden rules for sideline supporters

1. Fun with friends come first
2. It’s their time let them shine
3. Applaud effort over outcome
4. Be a good sport too
5. Love watching them play

Golden rules for sideline supporters. VIDEO: Balance is Better, Sports New Zealand.

For more check out Sport New Zealand Resources for parents.

Have you got a great youth sport story to share with our community? Get in touch with us by email to let us know: [email protected]