Based on the principle of positive psychology, the Positive Behaviour Matrix encourages us to focus our energy on celebrating the positive behaviours displayed by people rather than the negative.

Clearly outlining expected behaviours and rewarding people when they exhibit them, goes a long way in shifting the club culture to one of deep respect. This is how you can develop your Positive Behaviour Matrix:

Step 1 – List your locations

Map out all the locations in your club that are frequented most by your members, such as your:

      • Change rooms
      • Club rooms
      • Canteen
      • Kitchen
      • Playing
      • Sidelines
      • Bathrooms
      • Equipment shed

Step 2 – List positive behaviours

For example: In the Canteen, we’re all expected to:

      • Volunteer to serve in the canteen from time to time
      • Wait politely for our turn when we’re being served
      • Ask politely for items and thank the volunteer who serves us
      • Try to give the correct change when possible
      • Put our waste and rubbish in the bins.

Step 3 – Fill out the matrix

Step 4 – Continue this process for each club location

Have a matrix for each location that you listed in Step 1. They can be as detailed as you like them to be, bearing in mind that simple and specific is always the best way to go.

Thinking about having a general Positive Behaviour Matrix for the whole of club? Check out the Western Force RLC’s.

Step 5 – Display the matrix

Advertise them in the relevant areas around the club, making sure they’re as legible and visible as possible for everyone.

Step 6 – Communicate it

Refer to the matrixes often to instil them as the standard of behaviour. Communicate it to your members as a tool for everyone to use; a standard for respectful behaviour both on their part and towards them by others.

If you find yourself needing to remind someone of the standards, being able to point to a displayed matrix will help. It can be extremely powerful to be able to point to a physical aid (the matrix in this case) to back you up if you’re needing to remind someone that there’s an accepted standard of behaviour in that particular space, and that you’ll have to ask them to observe it.

Step 7 – Modelling

Don’t let it be just another thing on the wall. Ensure club leaders and influencers are walking the walk in particular spaces, making it easier for other members and volunteers to do, and want to do, the same.

Step 8 – Celebrate positive behaviours

Create opportunities for acknowledging people’s awesome behaviours, like weekly, monthly, or annual awards?

Step 9 – Address negative behaviours

Focusing on positive behaviours doesn’t mean turning a blind eye to the negative. In fact, quite the opposite; be as vigilant about dealing with bad behaviour as you are about celebrating the great.

It’s a great idea to create an accompanying consequences plan for breaches of the expected behaviours, that aligns with your code of conduct.