Eight Regional Sports Organisations (RSOs) are uniting to launch the ‘Keep It Positive’ initiative as part of a groundbreaking effort to foster forward-looking and supportive environments at all levels of community sport in South Canterbury.

The initiative was born from a shared concern among several sports codes about less-than-ideal behaviour on the sidelines. The codes currently involved include South Canterbury Basketball, Rugby, Netball, Football, Volleyball, Hockey, Tennis and Cricket.

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Parents, caregivers, coaches and players’ behaviour, on the sidelines and during the game, can be a significant barrier to young people enjoying sport.

“We feel the strength of launching ‘Keep It Positive’ as a collective means parents and whānau will understand the importance of creating a positive environment for tamariki and rangatahi to enjoy sport how it’s meant to be,” says Shaun Campbell, Sport Canterbury’s Regional Manager for South Canterbury.

“As a community, we recognise the sporting environment can significantly influence a young person's lifelong perspective on being active.”

The initiative launched last weekend, with signage and imagery displayed at several sporting venues, supported by an online presence to reinforce the message.

“Additionally, all the involved codes are working on policies and procedures to help create guidelines for members to uphold a positive sideline culture,” Campbell says.

"By helping parents, caregivers, coaches, and officials understand the value of positivity and support for volunteers, we can make the field, court and sideline a place everyone wants to be.

“Sport Canterbury and the participating RSOs are excited about the potential impact of the ‘Keep It Positive’ initiative and committed to working together to create a lasting positive change in the community sport culture of South Canterbury. We hope to invite more codes to join the movement as it develops.”

Article added: Tuesday 06 May 2025