Choosing the Right Sport and Physical Activity Program for Your Child

Administration and Organization of the Program

There are written policies for the program that include:

• Philosophy of program
• Selection of coaches and officials
• Training of coaches and officials
• Parental education and involvement
• Number and length of practices, contests and tournaments appropriate for age group
• Selection of teams based on age, size, skill and emotional development

The philosophy of the program includes:

• Adequate participation in practices and contests with no discrimination based on ability, gender or race
• Development of fair play, teamwork and sportsmanship
• Having fun
• Emphasis on winning with individual and team awards kept in proper perspective
• Communication with coaches, parents officials and participants
• Evaluation of coaches, officials and program

Parental education includes:

• Requirements of the program include costs, insurance coverage, practices and contests
• Rules and regulations of the program and sport
• Proper conduct showing respect and support of the coaches and officials
• How to be a positive supporter

Safety Considerations

• Facilities are clean and hygienic
• Equipment and competition areas are safe and in good repair with regular inspection, maintenance and replacement schedules in place
• Equipment is selected/adjusted based on the size and skill level of participants
• Practice and competition areas are free of obstacles and hazardous materials
• Necessary safety equipment is present (e.g., mats, protectors, body gear, spotting rigs)
• First aid supplies are on site and accessible at all times. First aid supplies are regularly inspected and replaced as used/needed
• Emergency medical forms, provisions and personnel are available and easily accessible
• The ratio of coaches/staff (1:10) to participants is appropriate for providing adequate instruction, supervision and safety at all times for the age and skill level of the participants
• Warm-up and conditioning activities are part of the program to ensure safety and prevent injuries

Child's Readiness to Participate

• My child’s interest level and desire to have fun matches the group/team
• My child’s skill level and size matches the group/team
• My child’s emotional and social maturity matches the group/team
• The level of intensity and competitiveness in the program matches my child’s interest and ability
• Children with special needs are included in this group/team
• Cultural and gender diversity are encouraged through group/team structure, activities and attitudes
• All children are treated with respect and given meaningful opportunities to learn skills and participate fully
• The challenges and expectations are appropriate for my child
• Children develop a wide variety of fundamental skills prior to position specialization

Parent/Guardian Commitment to Child's Participation

• I will support my child’s interests and realize that having FUN is the most important reason children choose to participate in sport and physical activities
• I will provide the necessary time and assistance each week for my child to have a successful experience (i.e., encouragement, transportation, meeting attendance, volunteering, observing)
• I understand the financial and time costs associated with participation and can provide for them
• I will respect and support decisions made by coaches and officials even though I may disagree with them, and I will discuss any concerns I have with the coach/staff in private
• I will be supportive of the coach/staff as teachers of my child
• I will provide insurance coverage for my child if the organization/league does not provide adequate coverage
• I will respect and follow rules and procedures of the club/league/organization providing the program for my child
• I am willing to adjust family time as necessary to support my child’s participation
• I will support my child’s active involvement by emphasizing participation, skill development, cooperation and teamwork
• I will be a positive supporter who focuses on the positive aspects of youth sport and physical activity programs

Evaluation of the Program

• My child has fun
• My child’s emotional and social maturity matches the group
• Team selection is appropriate
• The actual administration of the program is consistent with its state philosophy
• Sufficient and appropriate equipment is available for all participants
• The number of practices, contests and tournaments are appropriate to this level of activity
• Coaches modify activities to meet individual participant needs
• Coaches/staff interact and communicate effectively with participants, parents and officials
• Coaches treat participants, parents and officials with dignity
• Coaches emphasize encouragement and positive feedback
• Coaches teach participants how to cope with negative feelings: embarrassment, anger, frustration and fear
• Coaches/officials are knowledgeable about the sport
• Coaches/officials demonstrate, teach and encourage good sporting behavior
• Officials are fair and consistent in their rulings
• Awards are appropriate and emphasize participation, skill improvement and teamwork

Bill of Rights for Young Athletes

• The principles set forth in the Bill of Rights are applicable to all sport and physical activity programs for children and youth.
• Right to participate in sports.
• Right to participate at a level commensurate with each child’s maturity and ability.
• Right to have qualified adult leadership.
• Right to play as a child and not as an adult.
• Right of children to share in the leadership and decision-making of their sport participation.
• Right to participate in safe and healthy environments.
• Right to proper preparation for participation in sports.
• Right to equal opportunity to strive for success.
• Right to be treated with dignity.
• Right to have fun in sports.

Resources:

American Sport Education Program. (1994). SportParent. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics

Bunker, L.K., and Rotella, L.K. (1995). Parenting Your Superstar. Charlottesville, VA: Links Press

Burnette, Darrell J. (1993). Youth Sports and Self-Esteem: A Guide for Parents. Indianapolis, IN: Masters Press

Dougherty, IV, N., Ed. (1993). Principles of Safety in Physical Education and Sport. Reston, VA: AAHPERD

Hart, J., and Ritson, R. (1993). Liability and Safety in Physical Education and Sport. Reston, VA: AAHPERD

Lumpkin, A., Stoll, S.K., and Beller, J.M. (1994). Sport Ethics: Applications for Fair Play. St. Louis, MO: Mosby- Year Book, Inc.

Micheli, L.J. (1990). Sportwise: An Essential Guide for Young Athletes, Parents and Coaches. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Co.

National Association for Sport and Physical Education. (1995). Quality Coaches, Quality Sports: National Standards for Athletic Coaches. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co.

Seefeldt, V.D. (1987). Handbook for Youth Sport Coaches. Reston, VA: AAHPERD

Smith, R.E., Smoll, F.L., and Smith, N.J. (1989). Parents Complete Guide to Youth Sports. Costa Mesa, CA: HDL Publishing Co. (AAHPERD)