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What the Standards mean to parents and coaches Parents—What the National Standards for Youth Sports Mean to YOU Participation in youth sports provides children with an opportunity to gain many valuable life skills and develop an appreciation for physical fitness, all of which can lead to a lifetime of healthy activity. This can only occur, though,when organized sports programs are designed and administered to ensure a safe, positive and fun environment for everyone. The National Standards for Youth Sports place in motion a national policy for children's sports. These Standards serve as a blueprint for all youth sports programs and must be incorporated into the delivery of every youth sports experience to best ensure that the needs of every child are met. As a parent of a youngster involved in youth sports, you have a responsibility to make sure that your child is enrolled in a program that adheres to the Standards. Prior to signing your child up for a sport it's important that you review the Standards so when you're taking a look at how the program oper- ates you can be sure that it is a good fit for your child. Remember, you have the right to expect and demand that the recreation agency and/or youth sports program understands the Standards. You also have the right to ask that these Standards are incor- porated into their programs so that all children are given the best opportunity for a memorable sea- son that they'll look back on for years to come for all the right reasons. Coaches—What the National Standards for Youth Sports Mean to YOU As a volunteer coach you are commended for stepping forward to work with a group of children be- cause there are few endeavors in life more worthwhile. You may be aware that as a coach you are in a special position to impact the lives of children in so many areas. Your influence extends far be- yond simply helping them learn and progress in their respective sport, so it's of paramount impor- tance that you take great care to approach your role with diligence. One of the best ways you can prepare yourself for the season is to review the National Standards for Youth Sports. The Standards place in motion a national policy for children's sports. They serve as a blueprint for all youth sports programs and must be incorporated into the delivery of every youth sports experience to best ensure that the needs of every child are met. When you volunteer to coach a youth sports team you take on the responsibility to meet the needs of every child under your care. As you review the Standards—which should be customary operating procedure before you gather the children for your first practice of the season—keep in mind that these represent what being involved in youth sports is all about. By making a commitment to abide by these Standards you'll greatly increase your chances of mak- ing special connections with your players. This will translate into happy and productive children who will learn and develop skills and likely continue their involvement in the sport for years to come. Equally important, they'll reflect back on their experiences with you favorably and if they choose to coach someday they'll be more likely to pass along many of the same positive attributes to their players that they gained from their interactions with you. I National Standards for Youth Sports Copyright©2008 by NAYS