Noisy, vocal and over-enthusiastic spectators of kid's football are set for a challenging couple of days (May 16 and 17), when The Shepherd Centre teams up with Football NSW to raise money by fining spectators who speak to players from the sideline.

Launched in May 2008, SSHH Day aims to encourage responsible sideline behaviours by spectators and to raise money for The Shepherd Centre - one of Australia's leading early intervention agencies which assists deaf children to listen and speak

"All schools and sporting bodies such as Netball NSW, Tennis, Rugby League, Rugby Union and AFL should be part of this initiative educating parents on appropriate sideline behaviours" said SBS Football Analyst Craig Foster.

According to Football NSW Board Member Michael Webber, the SSHH Day initiative is very timely given community concerns about what can sometimes be described as over-zealous support from the sidelines. Last year the Ku-ring-gah area raised over $17,000.00 for The Shepherd Centre and involved 1130 teams.

"This is a wonderful initiative that will allow the kids to express themselves on the field entirely through their sport. It's intended to be a calm, player-focused day where the game and the kids take centre stage, rather than the reactions of the fans," said Mr Webber.

Football NSW CEO Michael Quarmby supports and applauds The Shepherd Centre's SSHH campaign and sees it as beneficial to not only football but to all other sports.

"The SSHH campaign aims to not only educate spectators of a particular sport, but also encourages further participation in sport by creating a positive attitude amongst the spectators who turn out to watch and support their team or individual," said Mr Quarmby.

Executive Manager of Commercial Services at Football NSW, Tony Peters reinforces the views of Mr Quarmby stating that the The Shephard Centre's SSHH campaign will significantly help the sport of football by educating spectators in what is responsible behaviour.

"Football matches come hand-in-hand with passionate supporters, however more often than not these supporters are parents so it is important we manage and educate them as best possible in what is appropriate behavior at the football," he said.

Spectators who attend games this weekend will be issued with a SSHH sticker and asked to donate to a worthy cause. The team managers and volunteers who will be watching closely for any parental indiscretions will be also handing out individual educational sheets to all spectators.

A gold coin donation/fine will apply for any loud utterances addressed to players or officials during the game. All the money raised from the weekend will go directly to The Shepherd Centre.

The Shepherd Centre's CEO Anthea Green said: "We are thrilled that an initiative like this can also support the hearing impaired children of The Shepherd Centre.