New Zealand girls reveal where The Line is between encouragement and pressure
New 2degrees research reveals what girls really want to hear from the sporting sidelines
Key findings from new research commissioned by 2degrees:
- More than half (55%) say they feel more pressure when supporters are watching.
- 99% of girls surveyed believe the right kind of sideline support could help more girls stay in sport for longer.
- Girls need encouragement most during big games (63%) and when they're underperforming (58%).
- Support when losing (42%) matters almost twice as much as support when winning (23%).
- Girls say encouragement that celebrates effort, confidence and positivity has the greatest impact, while criticism, comparisons and constant instructions are among the least helpful.
Every weekend across New Zealand, thousands of parents, coaches and supporters line up on sports fields and courts wanting to do one thing: encourage the girls they love.
New research[1] by 2degrees surveyed girls 11-16 across New Zealand about sideline support. It revealed that while the intention is almost always positive, the words girls hear from the sidelines can shape how they experience sport, and with girls leaving organised sport at around twice the rate of boys[2] getting that encouragement right matters.
While more than half of girls surveyed (55%) said that they feel more pressure when supporters are watching, nearly all (99%) believe the right kind of sideline support can help girls stay in sport for longer.
Encouragement matters most when the pressure is on, with nearly two-thirds (63%) valuing sideline support most during big games, closely followed by when they're underperforming (58%). Support when losing (42%) was considered almost twice as important as support when winning (23%).
Perhaps most revealing wasn't just when girls wanted support - but what they wanted to hear.
Black Fern, Ruahei Demant, says the research reflects something many girls experience but rarely articulate.
"From your first season at a local club right through to the biggest stages in the game, the things you hear from the sideline can stay with you. Having people show up for you, encourage you and believe in you are big motivators, no matter what level you might be playing at. The right words at the right time can help girls build confidence, enjoy their sport, and keep coming back because they know they're supported."
The words that matter most, according to the girls, became the inspiration for The Line – the latest from the 2degrees SupportHER Club. The girls' own words have been turned into a distinctive blue boundary line for sports fields and courts up and down the country.
The words girls help them on the sidelines and motivate them:
- “Good job, keep going”
- “I’m proud of you”
- “We’ve got this, girls”
- “I believe in you”
- “It’s okay, next time”
- “Great pass/tackle/run”
- “You’re getting better every day”
- “Keep your head up”
The unhelpful words they don't want to hear:
- Constant instructions from the sideline
- Criticism after mistakes
- Comparisons with other players
- Pressure to win
- Arguments with referees or coaches
Featuring phrases that help girls feel confident, supported and motivated to keep playing, The Line helps supporters better understand the difference between encouragement that builds confidence and words that unintentionally create pressure.
2degrees Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer, Zac Summers, says: "2degrees is committed to Fighting for Fair for women and girls in sport and the SupportHER Club is how we bring that commitment to life. We wanted to understand this small but vital part of girls' sporting experiences and to use it to encourage more girls to keep playing.
“The Line is our way of giving girls a voice, helping supporters reflect on their own encouragement and, hopefully, starting more conversations between parents, coaches and the girls they support."
Sports psychologist Dom Vettise says; "What builds confidence isn't constant instruction from the sidelines - it's creating an environment where young people feel safe to learn, make mistakes and enjoy improving. When supporters celebrate effort and courage, rather than just results, they're helping girls build the resilience that keeps them coming back to sport.”
Before the next game 2degrees is encouraging supporters to explore The Line resources, take the quiz and hear what girls and sports psychologist Dom Vettise have to say, before asking the young athlete in their life, “What does good support sound like for you?”
Communities will be able to access The Line packs alongside practical resources designed to help supporters create a positive sporting environment for girls.
For more expert advice, to take The Line quiz or install The Line at your club, visit https://www.2degrees.nz/supportherclub.
[1] Research conducted by 2degrees in June 2026. Findings are based on a survey of New Zealand girls aged 11–16 (n=74) and qualitative insights from a focus group with 15 players from the Silverdale Under 15 Girls Rugby Team.