Papatoetoe sports clubs pledge 'zero tolerance' to abuse from spectators

A recent incident of appalling spectator behaviour at the Papatoetoe Recreation Grounds has led Papatoetoe Sports Clubs to unite and take a pledge of 'zero tolerance' towards spectator abuse.

Meeting at the Papatoetoe Sports Centre 11 sports clubs have supported for the initiative.

Papatoetoe Sports and Community Charitable Trust General Manager Justin Leydesdorff explained "sports Clubs are safe environments for kids and young people to participate, compete and learn life skills, it is a shame that a very small minority of parents and spectators ruin it for the rest.

"Let's not forget that most of the time the kids don't care who wins, they just want to have fun with their friends.

"All of the sports clubs that have signed up have excellent reputations and are delivering high quality and positive opportunities to their kids and other members.

"Collectively the clubs have over 3,500 members (so) this is the biggest initiative of its kind to deal with bad spectator behaviour that I am aware of in the country.

"Clubs have limited ability to manage irrational spectator behaviour as it happens but Papatoetoe Sports Clubs have committed to working together and acting swiftly to deal with these isolated cases. The consequences may include trespassing spectators that behave badly from sports grounds and facilities, especially when they are impacting the enjoyment of others."

Auckland Councillor and local Police Officer, Alf Filipaina added "this is not a single sports issue, I have been at all kinds of sports matches where some parents and spectators ruin the experience for the kids and the players, it's a community issue. I support these clubs to stamp out this behaviour and it shows that the Clubs are here for the kids."

Former New Zealand cricketer and formerly Deputy Mayor of Manukau City Gary Troup also stated "communities need to be involved in sport and support the Clubs in not tolerating any nonsense on the sidelines."

Leydesdorff concluded "many of the clubs are already proactive about spectator behaviour awareness, running workshops with other clubs and talking to their members and parents about it."

The 11 clubs have agreed to meet again over the next few weeks to discuss how they can further drive the initiative.

The clubs supporting the initiative are:

Papatoetoe AFC
Papatoetoe Basketball Club
Papatoetoe Cricket Club
Papatoetoe Hunters Corner Bowling Club
Papatoetoe Panthers Rugby League Club
Papatoetoe Rangers Netball Club
Papatoetoe Rugby Football Club
Papatoetoe Softball Club
Papatoetoe Tennis Club
Papatoetoe United Football Club
Southern Districts Hockey Club

Image used for illustrative purposes only.

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