Let's Keep It Positive

Aroha + Pono + Tika

Stand up and help us make sport a place we all want to be.

​​​​​​​As a community, we recognise that aspects of a sporting environment have the potential to change a young person’s perspective on being active – for a lifetime.

At its best, sport is a source of balance, fun and friendship.​​​​​​​

As the Regional Sports Trust for the Canterbury West Coast region, our team actively gathers insights from our communities, to understand barriers to being active and participating in sport.

A significant barrier for our young people enjoying sport can be the behaviour of parents, caregivers, coaches and players, on the sideline and in the game.​​​​​​​

By supporting parents, caregivers, coaches and officials to understand the value of positivity and advocate for volunteers, we can help make sport a place we all want to be.

Step up. Keep it positive.

Step back. Take time out.​​​​​​​

“We know that play, physical activity, sport and recreation add value to our lives in terms of social connections, emotional wellbeing and mental health – not to mention physical fitness.”

Sport Canterbury Chief Executive Julyan Falloon

Parents & Supporters

Here’s some tips to help kids enjoy their sport!

​​​​​​​Keep it fun – don’t take it too seriously.

Emphasise trying hard – not winning.

Be enthusiastic – don’t scream and shout instructions.

Cheer and celebrate good play – on both sides.

Accept decisions with respect – officials are human too, and we all make mistakes.

Allow kids to play for themselves – let them make decisions, on and off the field.

Let coaches do the coaching.

Always remember – volunteers run kids sport.

Think before you speak – your words may harm others.