Become Your Players Best Supporter

Waipuna Football Club has very high expectations for all club members and supporters.

As parents we are all required to do our part to ensure we develop young men and women who are not only outstanding players but outstanding members of the human race. It can be difficult to model the type of conduct required.

With this in mind, our club requires all adults associated with our club to adhere to a code of behaviour:

Be positive. Players never intentionally play poorly. It is never appropriate or useful to berate a player during the game. You should supply enthusiastic support throughout each match.

Support the whole team, not just your child. It is not appropriate for supporters to coach from the side-line.  Often instructions given by parents to their players can be in conflict with the system the coach is trying to implement.

Never criticise referees. They have a difficult job and are generally fair in their calls. If you think you could referee better, step up and volunteer!

Attend training.  It is important for players to regularly attend training sessions and matches. Please have your child at the field on time for all activities and prepared to play, with the proper gear.

Model respectful behaviour for your child by refusing to tolerate negative personal statements about other players, parents, coaches, or anyone else.

For more information on any concerns you may have about a coach, a referee or a spectator, please refer to the NZ Football Code of Conduct, which you can download HERE.

Lead The Cheer

Sport Bay of Plenty, regional sporting organisations and sporting clubs, including Waipuna Football Club, want to put an end to bad side-line behaviour – so help us continue to grow our positive sporting culture and Lead the Cheer!

A positive sporting environment provides a foundation from which we can build on, to ensure we are respecting and retaining our community’s involvement in sport for years to come.

It’s about future-proofing sport in our region, ensuring players continue to enjoy physical activity as they grow, volunteers remain committed to their club and supporters keep watching the games.

We don’t tolerate negative or aggressive attitudes in other everyday places in our schools, work place or home – so why do we allow it in our sports?

Negative behaviour is another word for bullying, so let’s make a stand on the sports field. You never know, the player that gives up because of a negative experience could be a future NZ representative!

Take the four pledge points to help you Lead the Cheer here.