Sport Canterbury is proud to launch Keep It Positive, a region-wide campaign promoting safe and supportive sideline behaviour.

The campaign, a refresh of Sport Canterbury’s earlier ‘Let’s Keep It Positive’ initiative, follows the successful launch in South and Mid Canterbury in 2025.

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Every week across Waitaha, thousands of tamariki, rangatahi and adults take to the courts, fields, and pitches to play the sport they love - and what happens on the sidelines can shape their experiences just as much as what happens in the game itself.

Keep It Positive highlights how whānau, spectators and supporters help create a welcoming atmosphere at sporting events. The campaign encourages everyone to respect officials, teammates and opponents, and to remain calm and supportive, even in challenging situations.

“This isn’t about one team or one sporting code. It’s about lifting the standard of behaviour across Waitaha and ensuring sport is a place where everyone feels supported and valued,” says Serena Somlyai, Sport Canterbury’s Sport Development Lead.

Backing the campaign is Olympic Gold Medallist Hamish Kerr, who says sideline behaviour is all about creating a positive environment for athletes.

“Being on the pitch is a stressful enough job as it is, and so to have the support of people on the sideline, and making sure that feels encouraging and enjoyable, is the most important thing.

“Unfortunately, there will always be one team winning and one team losing. But, at the end of the day, so long as the kids are getting out there and just having fun, that’s the most important thing.”

The Keep It Positive campaign will be promoted through signs and visuals displayed at sports codes participating in the initiative. The codes currently involved include Badminton Canterbury, Athletics Canterbury, Canterbury Cricket, Mainland Netball, Canterbury Softball, Tennis Canterbury, Mainland Football, Canterbury Volleyball, Canterbury Hockey, Canterbury Rugby League, Canterbury Basketball and Squash Canterbury.
Additionally, a strong online presence will help reinforce the campaign’s message.

However, Keep It Positive goes beyond simply raising awareness. The campaign actively supports volunteers, encourages and empowers young athletes, emphasises the lasting benefits of positive sideline behaviour and helps organisations create policies and guidelines that protect young people while fostering a positive sporting culture.

The campaign encourages supporters to demonstrate good sportsmanship and foster an environment where making mistakes is seen as a valuable part of learning and growth.

“Sport should be fun. Every player should feel supported and proud for making the effort to participate,” Somlyai says.

“Coaches need the space to coach, and referees and organisers deserve respect. Without volunteers, games don’t happen.

“Together we can build a stronger, more positive sporting community. When our sidelines are supportive, our players thrive.”

Click the link for more about the Keep It Positive campaign.