Waikato Rugby and Tuatahi First Fibre Launch ‘Positive Vibes Only’ Initiative Across Community Rugby

Waikato Rugby in partnership with Sport Waikato and supported by Tuatahi First Fibre, has officially launched the ‘Positive Vibes Only’ (PVO) initiative across community rugby for the 2025 season.

Starting with junior and youth grades, the initiative promotes positive sideline behaviour and encourages respect towards players, referees, coaches, and volunteers. PVO is part of a wider regional movement focused on lifting the standard of engagement in youth sport and ensuring long-term participation and enjoyment.

Sport Waikato’s Sport Development Manager, Amigene Metcalfe, says, “It’s very exciting to have Waikato Rugby join the PVO whānau to share the kaupapa with all those involved with junior rugby. We know that the top reasons young people play sport are to have fun, be with their friends, and to develop and learn new skills. By challenging all those involved in sport to encourage ‘Positive Vibes Only’ as the new standard, we strive to lift the bar on what behaviours are acceptable in our youth sporting environments.”

Tuatahi First Fibre Chief Customer Officer, Richard Riley says, "Partnering with Waikato Rugby is a natural step for Tuatahi. We’re all about connecting communities, and rugby is at the heart of so many.”

“Positive Vibes aligns perfectly with our values. It’s about creating an environment where young players can grow their confidence, skills and love for the game without pressure or negativity. We’re proud to support grassroots rugby and help keep kids in the game by championing positivity from their very first kick-off."

Visible elements of the initiative include the introduction of pink PVO vests worn by team managers and associate referees from 8th grade and up, signage and messaging at selected club venues, all with the intent to remind people to think carefully about their behaviour so as to create positive rugby participation environments for our region’s young people. Most of the wording on the signs has come from young people themselves so it creates a pretty powerful reminder!

The initiative is not about policing behaviour but rather encouraging positive contributions from the sideline and rewarding efforts to foster a constructive and supportive atmosphere. Clubs are encouraged to create a positive vibe by playing music, promoting engagement with everyone in a positive manner, issuing ‘Supporter of the Day’ awards, thank-you cards for officials, and having a positive mindset from everyone involved.

“It’s incredibly important for rugby in the Waikato region to be involved with and promoting the Positive Vibes Only campaign. We know that young people thrive in sport when they feel supported, encouraged and valued and as adult influencers on the side of a rugby pitch, we need to be aware of our role in creating environments where this is absolutely the case for them. Equally, it’s important that we support our important game volunteers – our coaches, managers and referees. Everyone is out there doing their best and PVO serves as a timely reminder to think about the type of behaviours we should be demonstrating in youth sport” says Dr. Amy Marfell, Waikato Rugby Chief Executive.

The PVO initiative will run throughout the 2025 season, with Waikato Rugby collecting feedback and stories from across the region to understand its impact and shape the next phase of delivery. Clubs, coaches, referees and parents are all encouraged to embrace PVO and help lead the change in their own communities. This initiative started nearly two years ago and has been a massive success across a range of sports, schools and regions and continues to gain momentum