Good Sports and Positive Vibes Only

Our Good Sports kaupapa continues to evolve — especially with the inclusion of Positive Vibes Only (PVO). Each of our centres is developing their own understanding and unique approach in this space, which is exciting to see.

This season, one thing has stood out when visiting centres — the strong desire to create fun, safe, and welcoming environments. Comments like “Why can’t every day at our centre be PVO?” and “We want PVO signs up all the time!” have been common. My answer is simple: we already can — it’s called Good Sports.

So why do centres sometimes hesitate to identify with the “Good Sports” label? It’s understandable — no one wants to highlight the negative or focus on the small minority whose behaviour doesn’t align with our values.
That’s why the next phase of our Good Sports journey is all about owning the kaupapa — embedding it as the way our centres operate and building a shared identity we’re proud of.

At its heart, Good Sports is about recognising the influence adults have in children’s and youth sport — from coaches and umpires, to volunteers, committees, schools, and whānau. While most are well-intentioned and passionate, many are simply unaware of how their behaviour can shape young people’s sporting experiences.
By owning this identity, we focus on the why: promoting development over performance, and ensuring sport remains a positive, growth-focused experience for tamariki and rangatahi.

What’s Next

As we continue to uphold the core values of Good Sports, we’ll be refreshing how we communicate this kaupapa across our communities. Our aim is to make engagement easier, more visible, and more meaningful — not to add extra work.

Here’s what’s coming:

• New footpath signs with positive lead messaging
• Social media tiles, frames, and videos to help centres share the message
• Workshop series focused on system-based change and embedding Good Sports practices

More details will be shared before Christmas, and centres will receive new footpath signs at the Centre Forum in October.

We’re so excited to take this next step and truly own the Good Sports kaupapa in 2026!

Article by: Aimee Te Whata, WBOP Zone Prticipation Lead
Article added: October 2025