Poor spectator behaviour at junior sport is set to be addressed, with the Shoosh for Kids Winter Awareness Month kicking off this weekend.
Following a hiatus in 2020 due to COVID-19, the campaign is making a strong comeback, with a record 21 sector partners and more than 600 sporting clubs and associations already signed up to take part in the initiaitive.
Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said with larger groups back at community sport it’s essential to keep sideline comments and behaviour positive.
“With a full season to look forward to this winter, the Shoosh for Kids message is more important than ever,” Mr Lee said.
“It’s great to see larger crowds and families back at community sport, and we all have a responsibility to ensure it is a fun, safe environment for children. One of the best ways we can do this is to keep comments positive so that kids want to keep playing and enjoying the benefits that sport offers.”
Founding partner of Shoosh for Kids and NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) CEO David Trodden said the campaign is vital in ensuring kids keep returning to junior sport.
“The NSWRL is proud to have helped launch this campaign six years ago and we’re thrilled the campaign has now broadened across the sport sector,” Mr Trodden said.
“We are very passionate about creating an enjoyable and positive environment to ensure kids want to come back each week, and most of all, have fun playing!”
In addition to new state sporting organisation partners, the network of 65 PCYC clubs across NSW have joined Shoosh for Kids for the first time, expanding the reach of the campaign to more than 70,000 youth that attend clubs and programs.
PCYC NSW CEO Dominic Teakle said the organisation was proud to join forces with the Office of Sport to help address negative spectator behaviour.
“The campaign aligns with one of our fundamental values – Respect – so we’re excited to be on board with this fantastic initiative led by the NSW Government,” Mr Teakle said.
“We know that young people thrive with positive adult role models and the Shoosh for Kids initiative reinforces positive, supportive behaviours in sport”.
Shoosh for Kids Winter Awareness Month will run from 1 to 31 May 2021, with free resources available to clubs and associations that sign up throughout the campaign.
For more information or to sign up, visit: sport.nsw.gov.au/shooshforkids
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