Released 24/08/2017
Sporting clubs across Canberra are dedicating this weekend’s round to improving sideline behaviour by parents and supporters at junior games.
Earlier this year I joined with Kate Jenkins, Sex-Discrimination Commissioner and co-chair of the National Management Committee of the Play by the Rules, to launch the national Let Kids Be Kids campaign.
Promoting a dedicated Let Kids Be Kids round is really about sending a message to parents and spectators, to let their kids enjoy sport without pressure or hearing abuse from the sidelines.
The ACT Government is proud to partner with Canberra’s sporting sector this weekend with AFL NSW/ACT,
Basketball ACT, Brumbies Community Rugby, Canberra Region and Community Rugby League, Capital Football,
Hockey ACT, Netball ACT, Tennis ACT and Volleyball ACT all actively participating.
A summer round is also in the works, following a strong show of support in a meeting I held recently with sporting CEOs.
It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of the competition but it’s important that parents and spectators understand their words have an impact.
We know bad behaviour on the sidelines causes kids to be embarrassed, lose confidence and motivation, to feel threatened and often to drop out of playing sport altogether.
Sport should be inclusive, safe, fair and fun, for everyone involved and it’s up to all of us to pass these values on to our kids.
So this weekend and every weekend, I encourage the sporting sector, their members and supporters to get behind this initiative and Let Kids Be Kids, so we see a real change on the Territory’s sports fields and courts.
Let Kids Be Kids is a national campaign launched in February 2017 that aims to address poor sideline behaviour at children’s sporting games. To download the free tool kit and supporting resources please visit www.playbytherules.net.au.
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases
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