 Up to 42 million children participate in recreational sports in the United
States
– American Sports Data, 2002
REC 4110
Youth Sport
Programming &
Administration
Children are at their learning best while at play….Plato

REC 4110
Youth Sport
Programming &
Administration
 One of the keys to PLAY is the absence of adult intervention.
• Freedom to create rules
• Modify games or made up rules
• Balance the playing field
• ….kids just playing for the fun of it!
• However, organized youth sports depends upon adult intervention!

REC 4110
Youth Sport
Programming &
Administration
Structure of Youth Sports Today
 Ages lowered
• 4 yr old T-ball
 More organized leagues
 More focused on winning
 Quality of facilities and equipment
 Lack of motor skill development
 Costs
 Violence and the media

REC 4110
Youth Sport
Programming &
Administration
Positive Aspects You Would Want
Children to Gain from Youth
Sports Participation
 FUN!!!
 Self-confidence
 Self-esteem
 Skill building
 Social skills
 Sportsmanship
 Fitness
 Respect
 Discipline
 Role model
 Keep off street
 Conflict resolution
 Responsibility
 Play by the rules
 Communication
 Teamwork
 Winning/losing
 Motivation
 Commitment
 Leadership
 Positive outlook
 Physical fitness

REC 4110
Youth Sport
Programming &
Administration
Operating a Success Youth Sports
Organization
 The key to operating a successful youth sports organization is operating within a philosophy that adults agree will benefit the children

REC 4110
Youth Sport
Programming &
Administration
Does Youth Sport Need a Change?
 What do you think?
 Factors that might make you think there is a need…
• Negative parental involvement
• Negative coaching
• Finding quality volunteers
• Lack of fun
• Others?

REC 4110
Youth Sport
Programming &
Administration
 A large % of the 42 million kids quit playing by the age of 13. Why?

REC 4110
Youth Sport
Programming &
Administration
 Modeled after professional sports
 Vicarious or shocking/sensational parents
 Overzealous coaches
 Sport rage
 Large drop out by age 13
 Others?

REC 4110
Youth Sport
Programming &
Administration
 57% said there is too much violence in youth sports
 74% said they’ve see outof-control adults at their games
 36% cited embarrassment as the top emotion felt when witnessing bad adult behavior followed by disappointment ( 25%) , anger (23%) , and fear
(16%)
– Sport Illustrated for Kids

REC 4110
Youth Sport
Programming &
Administration
We must be
to change the culture of youth sports

REC 4110
Youth Sport
Programming &
Administration

REC 4110
Youth Sport
Programming &
Administration
 October, 1987 Washington, DC
• 48 leading experts develop standards
 The National Standards for Youth
Sports Recommendation for
Communities :
• Provide guidance as a national policy
• Assist youth leagues in decision making that affects positive participation
• Increases confidence when a league conducts itself according to a national standard

REC 4110
Youth Sport
Programming &
Administration
What the Standard Suggests…
1. Change the culture
1. Leadership in community
2. Positive sports
3. Create a philosophy
4.
Same as school….
2. Appoint a professional youth sports administrator to ensure adherence to the philosophy
3. Hold everyone associated with the program accountable for their behavior

REC 4110
Youth Sport
Programming &
Administration
National Standards for Youth
Sports
 National Standards
 Marine Corp Community Services

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