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Positive Vibes Only launches this winter
This winter, Positive Vibes Only (PVO) is rolling out across the Bay of Plenty, bringing a shared focus on what positive behavior looks like in youth sport.
Young people tell us they play sport to have fun, spend time with friends, and learn new skills. When sideline behaviour becomes negative, pressure builds and enjoyment drops. While most sporting environments are positive, it only takes a few moments of negativity to shape the experience. When the fun dissapears, so do players referees and volunteers.
Positive Vibes Only focusses on what positive behaviour looks like, encouraging people to reflect on their language, actions and interactions. It supports small, practical shifts that make a big difference to how sport feels for everyone involved.
"The Positive Vibes Only campaign at the AIMS Games in 2024 and 2025 showed us that focussing on what good behaviour looks like creates better sporting environments for everyone," explains Wayne Arthur, Sport Development Advisor at Sport Bay of Plenty.
"When positivity is visible and reinforced then athletes, officials and whānau feel supported. This year's collective PVO campaign is about taking that energy and embedding it right across the Bay."
Created by Sport Waikato, PVO is gaining momentum across Aotearoa. Sport Bay of Plenty is proud to be part of the initiative that is locally supported by a collective of Regional Sports Organisations and partners across the Bay:
- Tauranga Netball Centre
- Tauranga City Basketball Association
- Tauranga Hockey Association
- Bay of Plenty Hockey Association
- Waikato Bay of Plenty Football Federation
- Squash Bay of Plenty Incorporated
- Bay Venues Limited
"Positive Vibes Only resonates with what we want sport to feel like in our hockey community, which is welcoming, respectful and enjoyable for everyone involved," says Megan Cleverley, General Manager at Tauranga Hockey Association.
"The focus on reinforcing positive behaviours, rather than calling out negatives, aligns strongly with how we want to support our players, officials, coaches and whānau. Being part of the regional RSO collective gives us a great opportunity to contribute to a consistent, positive culture across sport in the Bay of Plenty."
This winter, the collective will celebrate and recognise those bringing the positive energy to sport. Categories include the most positive team, coach, photo, best dressed in pink and sideline "vibe bringer." Public nominations open Monday 8 June, during Pink Week, with both nominees and nominators rewarded with prizes.
Because when positivity leads, everyone wins both on and off the field.
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