NRPA releases Fun First program

Parks & Recreation, Jan, 2005

With funding from the National Football League, NRPA commissioned NC State University to develop a program that would help youth sport service providers work with, and get the most out of, youth sport parents. The ultimate goal of FUN FIRST! is to not only help park and recreation departments educate youth sport parents, butte ultimately improve the culture of youth sports across the nation.

Research indicates that parent behaviors have a direct and significant effect on the benefits their child receives from sports and, most importantly, the fun they experience through sports participation. Parents have numerous opportunities to demonstrate love, acceptance and support for their child. On occasion, however, the actions of parents at youth sporting events erode an environment where children are supposed to be learning new skills, making friends and, especially, having fun. A parent education program has the potential to minimize the negative impact of inappropriate parent involvement and teach parents how to effectively facilitate their child's sport experience.

To get started on Fun First, log on to www.nrpa.org.