What are RIGHTS
and
RESPONSIBILITIES
in Youth Sports?


RIGHTS are what YOU can expect
To happen in youth sports.

RESPONSIBILITIES are what OTHERS can expect from YOU.

Everyone in youth sports has
RIGHTS and RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrators, Coaches, Parents, Young Athletes, Officials and Fans

By understanding and communicating them we can keep sports safe and fun


Rights and Responsibilities in Youth Sports


Coaches


Rights

· To have support from the administration/league
· To know what is expected of him/her
· To have a fair procedure to bring concerns and complaints forward
· To have ample opportunities to receive training to be a youth sports coach, including child abuse prevention.

Responsibilities

· To provide accurate background information to the league
· To obtain needed training
· To understand the role and influence of a "Coach"
· To understand intervention and child abuse reporting procedures
· To abide by a Code of Ethics
· To be an advocate for the program's philosophy
· To set expectations for the season
· To recognize the special needs of EACH athlete, gifted or not gifted
· To limit physical interaction while conducting instructions
· To provide appropriate and caring touch
· To never touch out of anger
· To keep programs free from put-downs, trash talk, profanity, violence and abuse.
· To motivate with praise and instruction
· To not use physical punishment
· To learn effective ways to channel frustrations and anger
· To communicate respectfully with parents, athletes, officials & administrators
· To provide a safe and fun sports environment

Officials


Rights

· To be treated with dignity and respect
· To be free from receiving abuse
· To have the support of the administration

Responsibilities

· To set the tone for everyone to be a good sport
· To obtain training on being an official and child abuse prevention
· To be fair and impartial
· To set the limits and boundaries by not allowing abusive behavior on the part of coaches, players, parents or fans
· To take an active role to create an environment free from abuse and inappropriate behaviors
· To provide a safe and fun sports environment

Fans & Spectators


Rights

· To be free from receiving abuse
· To enjoy the fun and entertainment of being a spectator at a sporting event

Responsibilities

· To behave in a non-abusive manner
· To address others who are behaving abusively or inappropriately
· To let someone in a position of authority know about abusive and inappropriate behaviors
· To adhere to drug, alcohol and tobacco free standards at all youth sporting events
· To create a safe and fun sports environment


Administrators


Rights

· To lead the program
· To have control of the program
· To have ample opportunities to receive training
· To know what is expected of him/her

Responsibilities

· To define and implement programs across all lines
· To oversee all responsibilities of involved parties
· To clarify philosophy, rules, policies and procedures
· To create written policies that are clear and understood by participants, parents, coaches and officials
· To keep programs free from put-downs, trash talk, profanity, violence and abuse
· To provide leadership, which creates a shield to protect the entire organization, prevents child abuse and promotes a child's healthy development in and through sports
· To be familiar with local child abuse resources and an attorney
· To be prepared to address the concerns and needs of children who are abused
· To provide conflict resolution in the event of conflicts, concerns and complaints
· To provide a safe and fun sports environment


Young Athletes


Rights

· To have sports be a safe experience, free from abuse and violence
· To have fun learning, trying new things and being able to practice and play
· To participate in a variety of sports opportunities

Responsibilities

· To follow rules
· To tell parents (or other trusted adult) about any abuse
· To try our hardest and best
· To learn the values of teamwork - helping and supporting one another
· To learn ways to deal with pressure and frustration
· To care about what happens to others
· To settle conflicts without saying or doing things that hurt others
· To treat coaches and officials with respect
· To treat others as you want to be treated
· To be a good sport
· To let your parents and coaches know what you need


Parents


Rights

· To have a safe and fun experience for your child
· To have accurate and comprehensive information
· To be a part of a quality program
· To know about the complaint procedures


Responsibilities

· To have a part in the supervision of the child
· To be a good spectator
· To bring forward valid complaints and concerns
· To educate your child about abuse
· To help each child find the right sport and program for his/her needs
· To assess the philosophy of the coach and the organization
· To provide each child with the physical and emotional nurturing and guidance they need to thrive
· To be an advocate for each of your children
· To support sons and daughters equally as athletes
· To understand that all children are gifted, but not in equal ways
· To support the individual needs and interests of the child
· To provide unconditional love and support, not based on performance
· To pay attention to see if your children are having fun and learning as opposed to just winning
· To create a safe and fun sports environment