Released 05/08/2021
Junior sporting clubs across Canberra are dedicating the next two weekends to improving sideline behaviour by parents and spectators.
Physical activity is such an important part of a child’s health and wellbeing and we want to encourage even more kids to get involved in sport.
Promoting a dedicated Let Kids Be Kids round is all 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.
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.
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.
TheACT Government is proud to partner with Canberra’s sporting sector again to deliver a winter fixture, with 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 all actively participating.
Sport should always be inclusive, safe, fair, and above all, fun for everyone involved, and it’s up to all of us to pass these values on to our kids.
This weekend and every weekend, I encourage the sporting sector, members and supporters to get behind this initiative.
Let Kids Be Kids is a national campaign launched in February 2017 which aims to address poor sideline behaviour at children’s sporting games.
To download the free toolkit and supporting resources visit www.playbytherules.net.au
Quotes attributable to Rob Sheekey CEO at Hockey ACT:
“At Hockey ACT we want all participants whether they be players, umpires or spectators to be able to participate in an enjoyable environment that they look forward to participating in. We aren’t asking spectators to be quiet. We want them to be energetic, positive and supportive of all those involved in the game.”
Quotes attributable to Matthew Battams CEO at Netball ACT:
“There is nothing more heart-warming than seeing the smile on a kids’ face when they are playing sport, having fun with their friends and being encouraged from the sidelines. It is these childhood experiences that result in people continuing to play sport and gaining the lifelong physical and mental wellbeing benefits of sport participation.”
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Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases