Positive Vibes Only
The Positive Vibes Only experience is designed to encourage, support and create a positive environment for tamariki, rangatahi and those who support, administer, referee/umpire, coach and manage sport.
What is Positive Vibes Only?
The Positive Vibes Only experience is designed to encourage, support and create a positive environment for tamariki, rangatahi and those who support, administer, referee/umpire, coach and manage sport.
With a focus on positivity and helping people to change their language and behaviour rather than highlighting the negativity, the campaign is about creating environments for all participants to enjoy sport, creating a 'positive' environment.
Why was Positive Vibes Only developed?
The highly successful Positive Vibes Only campaign was originally piloted by Sport Waikato and Hamilton City Netball Centre at the Upper North Island Secondary School (UNISS) Netball tournament in August 2023.
Through discussions with Hamilton City Netball Centre and the concern about sideline behaviour, the team at Sport Waikato worked with the Centre to design and impactful, pink and visual pilot which spoke directly to supporters with clear messaging and bright, fun and positive engaging activations.
From there, a number of Regional Sports Trusts (Sport Waikato, Sport Manawatu, Sport Whanganui, Sport Hawke's Bay, Sport Bay of Plenty, Sport Taranaki) have begun to roll out the campaign in partnership with Regional Sports Organisations across their competitions and tournaments in a partnered effort to address negative sideline behaviour and raise the standards of positive sideline support.
Waikato Secondary Schools are now also taking up the messaging in their schools, through funding and support from the Waikato Secondary School Sport Association (WSSSA).
Positive Vibes Only Pilot - UNISS 2023
What is involved in embedding Positive Vibes Only into a sport/school?
Positive Vibes Only is not just a marketing campaign - alongside the bright, engaging visuals, signage and messaging is an educational piece. All organisations are required to take part in Positive Vibes Only education as we know in order to create long term change, a culture shift needs to happen. And that can only happen if everyone is on board, and clear in the vision that will effect change - from coaches, managers, umpires and spectators to the very players themselves.
Regional Sports Trusts rolling out PVO
Sport Manawatu is rolling out PVO through Central Football. Following a prominent social media campaign each region will host two activations where "Positive Vibes Only" will be prominently showcased at selected parks. These activations will feature vibrant signage, spot prizes, flags, face paint, and colourful hair spray, creating a festive atmosphere and a great visual reminder to keep things positive. Children will be encouraged to wear pink on the designated days, reinforcing a sense of unity and excitement among participants.
Positive Vibes Only has been rolled out at local club rugby matches with visible signage promoting key messages like “Remember Referees are doing their best” and “We are all playing the same game!”
Our Volunteer Referees will wear a new bright pink referee jersey featuring Positive Vibes Only messaging on the back, helping to visibly reinforce the positive sideline behaviour we’re aiming to promote.
Clubs will also play a key role in promoting the campaign’s values, with a designated volunteer in a bright pink bib helping to self-manage sidelines and encourage a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for all.
With the support of Sport Whanganui, Whanganui Rugby is committed to fostering a culture that reflects the best of our sport — one where participation is celebrated, respect is shown, and every-one feels safe and supported on and off the field.
Contact Us
If you'd like to know more about the Positive Vibes Only experience, or how to embed it into your own school/sport, get in touch:
Amigene Metcalfe - Sport Development Manager
021 350 410 or email amigenem@sportwaikato.org.nz