This year, Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) has partnered with The Office of Sport’s Shoosh For Kids initiative to hold Silent Saturday on May 25, 2019.
Silent Saturday is an annual event where coaches, parents and spectators across Northern NSW attending ALDI MiniRoos (5-11’s) games are kindly asked to remain silent.
The Office of Sport’s Shoosh For Kids initiative brings together grassroots sport throughout New South Wales to address issues which arise from poor behaviour at junior sport, such as abuse of officials and players, reduced participation rates due to poor experiences and a focus on winning.
The objective of Silent Saturday is to bring awareness to the fact that junior sport is for kids to have fun while trying their best without the pressure of winning.
NNSWF aims to promote positive behaviour at junior sport and encourages participation in Silent Saturday across the region.
NNSWF’s Head of Football Development, Peter Haynes encourages members across NNSWF to support this initiative.
“For Silent Saturday to be successful, assistance is especially needed from clubs and team coaches to communicate that the game is for the players and for parents and spectators to respect Silent Saturday,” said Haynes.
“Clapping is of course allowed and supporters are encouraged to be creative in how they choose to cheer their child’s team – make signs to hold up, bring a scarf in the team’s colour and wave it wildly, there are lots of ways to cheer other than verbally.”
As part of the Silent Saturday and Shoosh For Kids initiative, it is kindly asked that;
Coaches, parents and spectators remain silent during games on Silent Saturday on May 25, 2019.
Spectators refrain from making any verbal comments on the game leaders’ decisions and/or ability.
Players are given a chance to play, learn and enjoy the game on their own.
Players are left to their own direction and decisions while playing their game.
By working together, we can make sure that kids enjoy playing sport!
For more information:
Please contact, NNSWF Club Development Officer Phillip Andrews
P | 02 4941 7206
E | pandrews@northernnswfootball.com.au