As kids summer sport returns after the Christmas break, the NSW Office Sport is reminding parents and spectators to ‘Shoosh for Kids’ when watching from the sidelines.
Shoosh for Kids is the Office of Sport’s program which involves peak sporting bodies working alongside clubs and associations to promote positive behaviour to members, including parents and spectators.
Sport NSW, eight sporting codes and more than 250 clubs and sporting associations have signed up to this summer’s campaign.
Chief Executive of the Office of Sport Karen Jones said Shoosh for Kids was about ensuring sport is a fun and positive experience for kids.
“Watching our children, friends and relatives play sport can be a very enjoyable experience,” Ms Jones said.
“Unfortunately, some of us can get consumed in the moment and forget that the kids are just there to have fun and improve their health and fitness.
“Shoosh for Kids is a timely reminder to all of us that sport should be a fun, positive and safe experience for kids.
“So, this summer we are reinforcing the message at sports fields around NSW.
“The message is simple, if you don’t have anything positive to say, Shoosh for Kids.”
General Manager of NSW Touch Dean Russell said “Shoosh for Kids is one of the more important campaigns that all sports should be a part of.
“Children playing sport is sown into the fabric of the Australian DNA, but we need to ensure that our kids are having fun while being active.
“Parents and spectators play an essential role in this by recognising and setting the example of the importance of positive sideline behavior at games.
“We fully support this notion and its why NSW Touch signed up to the campaign.
“Let the kids play and have fun without the pressure of parents.”
The Shoosh for Kids Summer campaign runs throughout summer. Clubs and associations receive access to a range of free resources, including sports specific flyers, social media posts and audio announcements.
For further information visit https://sport.nsw.gov.au/shooshforkids
Media contact: 0417 291 346