PCYC NSW has joined the NSW Office of Sport to address poor spectator behaviour at junior sport through the Shoosh for Kids program’s Winter awareness month campaign.
Throughout May 2021 the message is simple: show respect and shoosh for the kids this winter.
Following a hiatus in 2020 due to COVID-19, the campaign is making a strong comeback, with a record 21 sector partners and more than 600 sporting clubs and associations already signed up to take part in the initiative.
In addition to the new state sporting organisation partners, the network of 65 PCYC clubs across NSW have joined Shoosh for Kids for the first time, expanding the reach of the campaign to more than 70,000 young people that attend our clubs and programs.
PCYC NSW CEO Dominic Teakle said the organisation was proud to join forces with the Office of Sport to help address negative spectator behaviour.
“The campaign aligns with one of our fundamental values – Respect – so we’re excited to be on board with this fantastic initiative led by the NSW Government,” Mr Teakle said.
“We know that young people thrive with positive adult role models and the Shoosh for Kids initiative reinforces positive, supportive behaviours in sport.”
Shoosh for Kids is a collaborative effort between the Office of Sport and State Sporting Organisations to promote positive behaviour to their members, clubs and associations. The general rule is, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.
Shoosh for Kids' aim is to keep sport focused on fun so that kids continue to enjoy participating in sport.
The purpose of the campaign is to support grassroots sports in providing positive environments for their members, while addressing issues which arise from poor behaviour including:
- Abuse to officials
- Reduced volunteer numbers
- Reduced participation rates (due to poor experiences/non-enjoyment/too competitive)
Shoosh for Kids awareness campaign will be held for the month of May (winter season) and the again in November for the summer sport season).
Everyone has the right to take part in sport, free from harassment, abuse and poor behaviour. To find out how your club can have a fair play culture – one that embraces diversity, transparency, sporting spirit, integrity and respect – go to the NSW Office of Sport and read about fair play and behaviour.
