Children across Gosford City will be telling spectators to shoosh at junior sporting matches as part of the Shoosh for Kids Week campaign.
Office of Sport Chief Executive, Mr Matt Miller, said more than 300 clubs, associations and local councils across NSW have teamed up with the Office of Sport to promote positive sideline behaviour at junior sporting events through Shoosh for Kids Week from May 15 to 21.
On the Coast, the organisations that have decided to put their weight behind the campaign include Central Coast Council, Central Coast Junior Rugby League, Central Coast Junior AFL, Central Coast Hockey Association, Gosford City Basketball Association, Brisbane Water Netball Club, Erina Junior Rugby League, Niagara Park Ourimbah Dockers and Terrigal-Wamberal Junior Rugby League.
“I encourage all clubs and associations to promote Shoosh for Kids, creating a positive and enjoyable environment to play sport in,” Mr Miller said.
“Sport is a recognised way of helping to build healthy, engaged and harmonious communities,” he said.
“Keeping and encouraging kids participating in sport throughout their lives is essential for a healthy, well balanced community.
“We want to ensure that all players, officials and spectators, have a great experience when out on the field or court.
“Bringing the Shoosh for Kids Week to clubs and associations across NSW encourages junior sport to be promoted as a positive, happy place for kids to enjoy themselves while being active.
“It is great to see so many clubs and associations supporting the campaign.
“For those who have not signed up, it’s not too late to get on board with the Week and make sport what it’s meant to be, fun,” Mr Miller said.
“If your comment is negative, then Shoosh.
“If your comment is directed at a player, then Shoosh.
“If you comment is directed at a referee or match official, then Shoosh.
“Reward good play by both teams with applause; if you can’t then Shoosh.
“Show respect to players and game officials.
“Remember it’s their game.”
Winter sports supporting Shoosh for Kids Week include AFL NSW/ACT, Basketball NSW, Country Rugby League, Football NSW, Hockey NSW, Netball NSW and NSW Rugby Union.
Source:
Media release, May 15
Jeff Lewis, Office of Sport