Wairarapa-Bush Rugby Union (WBRU) is supporting a nationwide campaign promoting positive sideline behaviour at rugby games.
The initiative, called Applaud, was formulated by the NZRFU to encourage supporters to be good sports at matches featuring school and club teams while stamping out antisocial sideline behaviour.
The programme provides guidelinesas to how situations where supporters become over-enthusiastic and risk spoiling the experience of others in rugby whether they are taking part or watching can best be managed.
WBRU community rugby officer Doug Bracewell said schools and clubs were being asked to indicate their willingness to commit to Applaud through the www.smallblacks.com website. A pack would be sent to them so they could begin to create or continue positive rugby environments.
Bracewell (pictured) also revealed the WBRU had aligned itself with a Herald on Sunday and McCafe initiative known as the Sideline Champ 2013 award which recognised those parents, family and friends on the sidelines of any sporting code this winter who were seen to be exemplary models of sporting behaviour.
"Perhaps it's a dad who has broken up a fight or defused a tense situation or maybe a mum who has gone out of her way to praise all the kids out here doing their best."
Bracewell said winners of a Sideline Champ award would receive a voucher for a free McCafe coffee and muffin.
