Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres, has called on spectators at matches to focus on fun, reminding people that there is no place for negative comments at sport matches.

Bathurst Touch Football Association competition administrator Tony Lewis said he’s been supportive of previous campaigns such as Shoosh for Kids, which encourages spectators to keep their comments positive at junior sport matches. 

“We’ve also run ads over the PA system reminding people not to get abusive at junior sport and to look after our officials,” he said.

“Abuse can be something hard to police because we have games running on 17 fields but we do have very few incidents.

“We did have one case back on Monday, at a junior girls Touch game. There were a couple of teenagers mouthing off at an umpire. That umpire came back and found me but it was too late. I’ll address that issue next week.

“Volunteers don’t need to deal with people like that.” 

Bathurst Netball Association president Tina Muller said umpire numbers are affected more abusive from spectators and players.

“It starts with the little negative comments and tones, like the odd “oh” on the sideline after a decision goes against a team,” she said.

“We’ve had a lot of umpires move on, so it makes it tough on the new ones who don’t necessarily know all the rules.” 

“Abuse at netball can be a problem but we do have a Shoosh for Kids week each year. It’s one week a year where we can advise and push positive talk on the sidelines.

“We’ve put in a new policy that if you are found to be abusive, there are bans in place.” 

Bathurst Hockey Association president Libby Milligan said the association had been running the Shoosh for Kids program throughout the 2018 season.

“It’s a big thing for us. We’ve had posters up and speaking to spectators and players,” she said.

“We get the odd incidents but our crowds are pretty good. Are members are proactive when it comes to abuse and we have a good community.” 

In a collaboration between the Office of Sport and the State Sporting Organisations, Shoosh for Kids awareness week will run from November 12 to 18. 

It promotes positive behaviour to members, clubs and associations. 

Clubs and associations across NSW are encouraged to spread the word.