Junior sporting clubs are partway through a campaign to improve the sideline behaviour of parents and spectators.
Minister for Sport and Recreation, Yvette Berry said the Let Kids Be Kids campaign, launched last weekend (7 August), was about sending a message to parents and spectators to allow children to enjoy sport without pressure from the sidelines.
“It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of the competition, but it’s important that parents and spectators understand that their words can have an impact,” Ms Berry said.
“We know bad behaviour on the sidelines can make kids embarrassed, lose confidence and motivation, feel threatened and even drop out of playing sport altogether,” she said.
“Positive encouragement builds self-esteem and motivates kids to have fun, try their best and helps them to develop a lifelong enthusiasm for being social, active and healthy.”
Ms Berry said the annual campaign was being supported by Basketball ACT; AFL Canberra; Table Tennis ACT; Tennis ACT; Volleyball ACT; Touch Football ACT; Brumbies Rugby; Canberra Region Rugby League; Capital Football; Netball ACT; Auscycling-ACT; Squash ACT; Cricket ACT; and Hockey ACT.
The Minister said sport should always be inclusive, safe, fair and, above all, fun for everyone involved.
“It’s up to all of us to pass these values on to our kids,” she said.
“This weekend and every weekend, I encourage the sporting sector, members and supporters to get behind this initiative,” Ms Berry said.
