Youth sports recommendations released - Tip-off

The Recommendations for Communities were officially released during the International Youth Sports Congress, which was held in September in San Antonio, Texas. The Recommendations for Communities were developed as part of the National Alliance For Youth Sports' ongoing efforts to enhance youth sports programs worldwide. The recommendations have been endorsed by the National Recreation and Park Association.

Work on the recommendations began last year. More than 50 parks and recreation leaders from across the country provided input; the recommendations represent what they believe need to be adopted in communities to help ensure that all participants, volunteers and spectators have a safe and rewarding youth sports experience.

"These Recommendations for Communities outline what must be done to make the youth sports environment a positive and safe place for children," said Fred Engh, founder and president of the Alliance. "The recommendations are the voice of what leaders in the recreation field firmly believe needs to be the course of action taken to help restore order and civility in the youth sports setting."

The recommendations feature an easy-to-follow, three-step implementation process. They're supplemented by information on related matters such as the structure of today's youth sports programs, the value of sports, a sample resolution and user-group application forms.

The recommendations can be downloaded for free at www.nays.org.