QUESTIONS PARENTS SHOULD ASK

There are a number of key questions parents should ask about a youth sports program before enrolling their child. You always have the right to ask questions, even when volunteers run the league. The following thoughts and questions can help you evaluate a youth sports program. Program Organization: Who is in charge of the program? Who can you contact if you have a problem or question? Who sponsors the league (YMCA, private organization, etc.)? Do they have a written set of goals and program guidelines? How much are registration fees? Were does the money go? Do they have a written budget for you to see? Is it a developmental or competitive league? (Programs for kids 12 and under should concentrate on skill development, exercise and fun.) How long is the season? How frequent are practices and games? What kind of equipment is used and who is responsible for providing it?
Safety: Is protective equipment necessary and is it used properly? Is a medical exam required to participate? Is the playing area safe for practices and games? Does the league have injury insurance? Is someone trained in Red Cross or emergency procedures? (Coaches should have some basic first aid training.) Is physical conditioning important for the sport and is it provided?
Psychological and Developmental Factors: Is emphasis placed on enjoyment and participation? Are there separate divisions for different skill levels? Will kids be cut from a team? (Try outs that involve cuts should be permitted only above the age of 12 and then only if the child has the option of playing on a less competitive team.) Are opponents thought of as the enemy? Are game rules adapted to the child's skill development, age and size?
Quality of Adult Leadership: How are coaches selected? What kind of training has the coach received? (He/she should understand the psychology of working with the kids in sports, basic injury prevention and treatment techniques, team and practice organization and how to teach sports fundamentals to kids.) Are referees trained and evaluated? Were background checks conducted on coaches and referees before they were accepted? Measures of Success: How is success measured? (There should be ways other than winning for children to achieve success.) Are all team members rewarded in some way for their success or the progress they have made? How much emphasis is placed on making the all-star team or play-offs or receiving a trophy?
Conclusions: You don't have to ask all of these questions and you may have others that you feel are more important. As your questions are answered you will develop a "feel" for the organization. If you are uncomfortable with what they have told you, look for another organization. Kids deserve a fun and rewarding sports experience and it's a parent's job to see that they receive it.
Mohd Nazirim bin Roslan
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