Positive or It's Pointless campaign kicks goals in junior sport

Sport Minister Judy Spence today launched the ‘Positive or It’s Pointless’ campaign which aims to build a positive culture in junior football codes across South East Queensland.

Kicking off the campaign at the Souths Sunnybank Junior Rugby League Football Club, Ms Spence said the partnership between the Bligh Government and the South East Queensland’s junior football codes – Rugby League, Australian Football League, Rugby Union and Football is a step in the right direction for junior sport in Queensland.

"The Positive or It’s Pointless campaign is a big step towards facilitating a change of culture in junior football codes to eliminate poor and unacceptable player and spectator behaviour,” Ms Spence said.

“Anyone who is involved in sport and recreation, regardless of their age or abilities, deserves to play in a fun, safe and fair environment that is free of harassment or discrimination.

“By collaborating with the Government’s True Sport Lives Here program, ‘Positive or It’s Pointless’ will inspire all those involved at a grass roots level in junior football clubs to embrace the principles of integrity, respect, fun, responsibility and excellence."

Ms Spence said the partnership was taking a proactive approach by promoting the message of fair play both on and off the field to a targeted audience.

“Sport plays such an important role in our community and by encouraging children to play sport, we are making a major investment in their future, and setting them on the path to an active and healthy life,” Ms Spence said.

“While most players, coaches, umpires and spectators are doing the right thing, there have still been inappropriate instances at junior sporting games in recent times, including violence, racism, verbal abuse towards referees and players, win-at-all-costs mentalities from coaches and overbearing pressure from parents.

“This kind of behaviour on the sports field can easily overflow into other areas of a child’s life, so it is essential we look at all ways to prevent such negative attitudes.”

“We believe a combined approach in implementing the campaign across these four major footy codes will have the greatest impact and will reach more than 50,000 people throughout 2009.

“The success of the program is largely due to the involvement of these organisations spreading the ‘Positive or it’s Pointless’ message through their networks at local club level,” Ms Spence said.

Ms Spence said the Bligh Government is committed to encouraging Queenslanders of all ages and abilities to become involved in sport and recreation at all levels.

“Queensland spends more money on sport than any other Government in Australia by a long way - $152 Million this year alone. This is more than $40 million more than the next closest state.”

For more information on the ‘Positive or it’s Pointless’ and True Sport Lives Here programs, visit www.sportrec.qld.gov.au.

Media Contact: Minister’s Office 3239 6218