He said there was still a lot of abuse out there and it needed to stop.
“The trouble is a lot of people don’t know where to draw the line when it comes to being supportive or passionate,” he said.
“This campaign is a reminder about how to behave to stop the minority of spectators ruining it for everyone.”
Shoosh for Kids isn’t about staying completely silent, though, it’s about making sure we’re all positive.
The messages of the ‘Shoosh for Kids’ campaign, runs across five key themes: Think before you speak; keep it positive, keep it fun; remember, volunteers run kids sport; respect the referee; and let coaches do the coaching.
Birrong Sports Football Club Secretary Tanya Suttle says her club gets behind the ‘Shoosh for Kids’ campaign every year.
“We’ve got signage up everywhere as a way to remind parents that it’s essential to do the right thing,” she said.
“We don’t usually have a problem with the open age games but the U6s, U12s and U13s, the younger age groups, that’s when spectators in their enthusiasm, can go too far and that is exactly what we’re aiming to change.”
The Office of Sport has developed a suite of digital resources for organisations, clubs and associations to use and share to amplify the campaign.
More info: sport.nsw.gov.au/shoosh-for-kids
Shoosh for Kids month reminder to stop abuse
TAKING part in the month-long ‘Shoosh for Kids’ campaign, Milperra Lions Soccer Club President Michael Blackmore said there was still a lot of work to be done to keep spectator interference out of sport.
