The Otago Rugby Football Union is highlighting the Applaud initiative which reinforces positive sideline behaviour on all levels of the game.
As part of the programme, all referees will be wearing bright green laces to create awareness of the programme.
The Applaud programme has been running for a few years, backed by the All Blacks and hopes to stamp out bad behaviour on the sideline.
All junior clubs have received applaud packs which they will use on their sidelines.
They include stickers, codes of conduct for players, parents and supporters, and posters, as well as barrier tape for their sideline and bunting.
Otago Rugby Referees Association chairman Chris Hart said the behaviour on the sideline had improved in the past couple of years. However, it only took a couple of poor incidents by spectators to reduce the standard.
He said there was always the odd hothead out there who spoiled it for everyone but overall, the abuse was not too bad.
