Positive Vibes Only

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). 

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.