Be a Great Supporter, Let Them Play
Tonight across the McDonalds Friday Night Basketball Venues you will see our new “Just Let Them Play” Banners.
The Let Them Play campaign is a Basketball New Zealand campaign being run across the country, as we, and other associations have seen a few occasions where people forget what grassroots basketball is all about - having fun!
Please read the following extract from Basketball New Zealand
Supporters and spectators are there to support. To be part of it, cheer, support, clap and celebrate. If you’re a good supporter, you’ll know that court-side egos and negativity are not welcome. You’ll keep your actions positive, show your thanks to those who are giving their time to help provide kids with the opportunity to play – Be a great supporter, let them play!
We encourage you to support your team with gusto – but keep it positive. Remember, our sport is largely manned by volunteers and that officials are human. We all make mistakes, but let’s model behaviours suitable for kids’ sport. And nobody wants to sit next to an ‘ugly’ supporter!
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Additionally, while you watch your kids play for their schools on a Friday night, remember you are there to support and spectate, not to coach. Research has shown that supporters providing instructional feedback such as “Shoot it”, “Pass it” “Look up” can have detrimental effects on kids’ game experience and development. For example, it reduces their problem solving and decision making skills, reduces creativity and autonomy, in addition, it also increases pressure and anxiety on children.
So just ‘Let them play’, support with encouragement, and regardless of the result, make the car ride home an enjoyable one. Make sure we remember to say I loved to watch you play, did you have fun today? And I am proud of you, and avoiding making that ride home miserable for our kids.
For more information - have a read of these articles by Changing the Game Project.
Kids can learn so much from our wonderful game, and benefit hugely from playing team sport. Lets make their McDonalds Friday Night Basketball experience a positive one, and one that will bring them back next season.
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