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Show FOR THE HEALTH OF IT Choosing the Right Sport and Physical Activity Program for Your Child | Prepared by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) are regularly inspected and replaced as There has been a great proliferation of. programs promoting sport and physical used/needed. They sport 8. Emergency medical forms, provisions, and personnel are available and easily accessible. leagues to physical fitness clubs modeled With such tives, facilities, and leadership, it 9. The ratio of coaches/staff to participants is appropriate for providing ade- is imperative that parents/guardians assess quate instruction, supervision, and safe- program quality, both initially and peri- -odically, will to determine be a positive ty at all times for the age and skill level of the participants. if the program influence for their 10. Warm-up and conditioning activities child physically, socially and emotionally. are part of the program to ensure The purpose of this checklist is to help parents/guardians and youth leaders - ensure that involvement in youth sports Child’s Readiness to Participate and physical activity programs is a valu- able and family and community activities. enriching part of a child’s life 10. The goals, values, and approach of the program are consistent with what | would like my child to learn. experience. Participation in youth sports and physical activity programs can contribute positively to the development of: e Physical fitness and a healthy. lifestyle | Administration and er aaiizanop ¢ Motor skills spectator involvement. e Social skills e Good sporting behavior and ethics e Fun and enjoyment of physical activity the activity of the Program 1. There are’ published Suidelines for appropriate child, parent, coach and & Sy coniltaas and self esteem While itself is important, _ | 4. There is no discrimination, based on ability, gender,or race in the league’s — ~-assigning of practice time, scheduling of facilities and events, quality of equipment, quality of instruction, etc. 5. Sufficient and appropriate 6. Coaches/staff communicate regularly with parents and work to address parent ~ concerns sidered and facilitated. priately. or other problems relating to the program. is con- 3. The development of fundamental skills for the sport is incorporated appro- equipment is available for children to be actively and safely involved. enjoyment. — 7 Coxcheiae are honest, fair, and ethical in all dealings. 8. The number of practices, contests, and tournaments is appropriate for the 4. Having fun is a priority. 5. Performance and success .child’s level and needs. are judged 9. Awards and recognition are based on by developmentally appropriate standards for your child, not adult standards. participation, 6. Provisions are made for all athletes to 10. All aspects of children’s growth and | development are considered when selecting teams or practice groups (e.g., age, size, emotional development, and participate in practices and contests (i.e. minimum tion). participation time, substitu- 7. Fair play, teamwork, and good sport- teamwork. skill improvement, 11. Coaches/staff 7. name. eS iedaadal aeetcar honors, recogni- Coaches/Staff Qualifications es 9. Ste eaias in7 the program leaves time for and/or positively promotes academic development and involvement in ae _ participate in ongoing professional ing. train- 4. Coaches/staff participants faity and © with dignity. and positive feedback practices. each child by Development 1. Coaches/staff demonstrate positive interpersonal skills while interacting _ effectively with participants, parents, officials’ and spectators. | 7. Coaches/staff modify activities meet individual participants needs. 8. Coaches/staff skills in teach from least 9. Coaches/staff model, appropriate difficult/most demonstrate, teach, and encourage fair play, respect for opponents and positive ee among teammates. 1. My child’s interest level and desire to have fun matches the group/team. 2. My child’s skill level and age matches the group/team. 3, My child’s emotional and social maturity matches the group/team. 4. The level of intensity and competitiveness in the program matches my child’s needs. 5. Children with special needs included in this group/team. 6. Cultural encouraged and gender through the are diversity is - group/team structure, activities, and attitude. 7. All children are treated with respect and given meaningful opportunities to learn skills and participate fully. fundamental developmentally progressions to -complex to most difficult/most complex. es 8. Children participate in leadership opportunities and decision making. 9. The challenges and expectations are appropriate for my child. 10. Children develop a wide variety of fundamental skills prior to position specialization. : 10. Coaches/staff ee children how to cope appropriately with. negative feel- Parent/Guardian’s Commitment to Child’s Participation 1. I will support my child’s interests and ings such as embarrassment, anger, frustration, and fear. 3 ‘realize 11. Coaches/staff possess current safety certifications and credentials appropriate for the sport/physical activity and oe important reason children choose toparticipate in sport and physical activities. group. Pe will provide the necessary time and assistance each week for my child to Safety LE: Facilities are clean aa hygienic.. have 3. Equipment is selected/adjusted based on the size and skill level of participants. and competition areas that having a_ successful encouragement, 2. atone and practice/competition areas are safe and in good repair with regular inspection, maintenance and replacement schedules in place. 4. Practice skill level). in all activities. spective. and : ing behavior are taught and reinforced tion and awards are kept in proper per- are pe 6. Coachies|staff consider duxiolasial maturation and readiness in planning Consider each of the following statements as you evaluate school or com- for the program that includes skill development, educational focus, fair Be, and Coaches/staff _ ongoing monitoring of coaches occurs. ~ Coaches who do not meet guidelines are removed or remedied. ophy. | Philosophy of the Program 1. There is a written philosophy/mission 3. about the sport or physical activity and 5, Coaches/staff provide encouragement 3. The actual administration of the program is consistent with its stated philos- munity-based physical activity programs for your child. Also consider the unique characteristics of your child’s skill level, maturity, interests, and special needs. 2. Coaches/staff are sensitive to participants’ emotional and social needs and respond accordingly. © } 2. Coaches are carefully selected, background checks are performed, and an the development of these important life skills should be central to a quality program. ee 2. Children’s emotional erowth ey _and prevent injuries. are free of obstacles and hazardous materials. 5. Necessary safety equipment is present - (e.g., mats, protectors, body gear, spotting rigs). 6. Coaches/staff are trained in injury prevention, first aid, and CPR. 7. First aid supplies are on site and accessible at all times. First aid supplies FUN is the experierice transportation, most (i.e., meeting attendance, volunteering, spectating). 3. I understand the financial and time. costs associated with participation and can provide them. 4, I will respect and support decisions made by coaches and officials even ~ though I may disagree with them, and | will discuss any concerns I have with coach/staff in private. S. I will be supportive of ite marrage centers. Pak Ne Retainers fitness coach/staff as. teachers of my child. 6. I will provide insurance coverage for my child if the organization/league does - not provide adequate coverage. HEALTH OF IT continued on page 14 eB adult net after diversity in program philosophies, objec- - SAN youth. youth eee” activity for children and range from traditional crete aes tn, | TIT ee | LECTURER + “Seprember 14, 999 |