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IV. CITY OF ELK RIVER <br /> PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT <br /> STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY <br /> A. The City is dedicated to creating positive sports environments for our community. This is <br /> done through the development of fair and equitable sports programs. The rules of the game <br /> for all City sporting events,whether as a player, coach or spectator,are sportsmanship, fair <br /> play, and safety. Sports are an essential recreation element that helps build a sense of <br /> community pride, teamwork, exercise, and a better sense of self-worth. This is accomplished <br /> through the following key elements: <br /> • Improving skills <br /> • Building friendships <br /> • Improving healthy lifestyles <br /> • Increase physical activity <br /> • Learning good sportsmanship <br /> All participants', organizations,parents and coaches are expected to support this philosophy <br /> and to follow the National Standards for Youth Sports, which are incorporated in this policy and <br /> endorsed by the National Alliance for Youth Sports (Attached- Exhibit A). Nine standards <br /> are recommended and detailed in Exhibit A as follows: a <br /> • Standard #1 Quality Sports Environment <br /> • Standard #2 Sports participation should be FUN <br /> • Standard #3 Training and Accountability <br /> • Standard #4 Screening Process <br /> • Standard #5 Parent's Commitment <br /> • Standard #6 Sportsmanship , <br /> • Standard #7 Safe Playing Environment <br /> • Standard #8 Equal Play Opportunity <br /> • Standard #9 Drug,Tobacco,Alcohol and Performance Enhancer Free <br /> Environment <br /> B. The sports environment must be safe and well maintained. Prudent behavior by adults, <br /> especially involved in youth sports programs,is mandatory and expected by the City. <br /> C. Since the demand is greater than the tax revenues available for support,it is necessary to <br /> charge for athletic fields and facilities. <br /> This philosophy section is the foundation of this policy and was developed through Parks and <br /> Recreation Commission special meetings on youth sports (November and December 2012). A <br /> youth sports meeting with all Elk River Sports organizations was also held on November 29,2012 at <br /> Elk River City Hall. <br /> 3 <br />