Youth sports policies procedures manual (768.95 KB)

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Summary

YOUTH SPORTS
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
MANUAL
JONESBORO PARKS & RECREATION YOUTH SPORTS POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Objectives………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..pg 3
Philosophy of Youth Sports………………………………………………………………………………………………………………pg 3
Fair Play Concepts…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….pg 4
Creating a Protective Shield……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..pg 5
General Policies……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….pgs 5-9
A. Participation
B. Sign-ups
C. Creating Balanced Teams
D. Team Formation Process
E. Practice and Game Schedules
F. Game Cancellations
G. Locations
H. League Rules
I. Payments
J. Medical Emergencies
K. Fundraising
L. Selection of Volunteer Coaches
M. Protests
N. Zero Tolerance Policy
O. Safety
P. Weather
Q. Alcoholic beverages
PARTICIPANT SECTION………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….pgs 10-12
a. Responsibilities and Expectations
b. Players Code of Ethics
c. Corrective Action Policy
PARENTS SECTION……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….pgs 13-20
a. Youth Sports Parent
b. Important Don’ts for Parents
c. Guidelines for Supportive Parents
d. Responsibilities and Expectations
e. Parents Code of Ethics
f. Corrective Action Policy
g. Complaint against a coach procedure
h. Coaching expectations
APPENDIX……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………pgs 21-24
a. Accident Report Form
b. Coaches Evaluations
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JONESBORO PARKS & RECREATION YOUTH SPORTS POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
Welcome to the Jonesboro Parks & Recreation Youth Sports Program!
Participation in youth sports plays a valuable role in the development of children. Aspects of
teamwork, dedication, discipline, physical fitness, self-esteem, and fair play all contribute to
the overall growth and maturation of young people. Jonesboro Parks & Recreation
Department takes this responsibility seriously and strives to offer quality programs which
will aid in this development

This handbook is presented to serve as a reference for you, as a parent or coach, so you will
understand the philosophies of this organization regarding youth sports and allow you to do
your part to make each program a success. If everyone works together and does their best to
enrich the lives of children in the Jonesboro area, we can accomplish remarkable things

We look forward to your involvement with Jonesboro Parks & Recreation Youth
Sports Programs

Sincerely,
Jonesboro Parks & Recreation Department
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JONESBORO PARKS & RECREATION YOUTH SPORTS POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of Jonesboro Parks & Recreation Youth Sports Program are as follows:
To offer these programs to fulfill the recreation needs and wants as a service to the community

To offer an equal amount of participation opportunities to both young men and women regardless of
race, creed, religion, or socio-economic status

To make these programs safe and enjoyable in an atmosphere that promotes learning and participation
first and competition second

To have the best possible people volunteer as coaches and to thoroughly train them to do the best that
they can

To demand from our coaches that those who need the most assistance are given it, rather than those who
are already advanced

To expect that good sportsmanship and fair play are standard behaviors

To demand from our parents to respect our volunteer coaches by being supportive of their coaching
strategies and philosophies

To ensure that the child’s participation in youth sports is a positive and worthwhile experience

PHILOSOPHY OF YOUTH SPORTS
The Jonesboro Parks & Recreation Department believes in the benefits of participation in
organized youth sports. Participation in sports has proven to build self-esteem, promote
teamwork, develop the body as well as the mind, and is an integral part of the maturation
process. Therefore, the goal of the Jonesboro Parks & Recreation Department is to provide
programs and services to young people of all backgrounds that will build the foundation for
them to grow up healthy, competent, and caring individuals in our community. In order to
operate successful youth sports programs; we will enforce the following five philosophies:
Everyone plays: Our program goal is for kids to play. We mandate that every player on
every team abides by the sport he/she is playing

Balanced Teams: Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible because
it is fair and more fun when teams of equal ability play

Open Registration: Our program is open to ALL children between the ages of 4 –
18 who are still in school

Positive coaching: Encouragement of player effort provides for greater enjoyment by
the players and ultimately leads to better skilled and better motivated players

Good Sportsmanship: We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual
respect rather than a win-at-all costs attitude. Our program is designed to instill good
sportsmanship in every facet of programs

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JONESBORO PARKS & RECREATION YOUTH SPORTS POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
FAIR PLAY CONCEPTS
Playing sports can be an exciting and enjoyable struggle, both with you and others. The feelings
of being excited and having fun are closely tied to your attitudes-what you think and feel about
the game, the other team, and yourself. Top athletes have a set of attitudes that we call “fair
play”. But what exactly is fair play? Here are some of the key points

Respect for the Other Team
You need the other team. Without the other team you can’t play. So you need to show respect
for the other players by treating them as needed partners, not as enemies. When you play
against a good, strong team that you respect, you usually play a better game

Respect for Yourself
We know that how people look at things influences what they do. So, if you think of yourself as
a good player, as an important part of the team, you are more likely to play like one-to set
goals for yourself, practice on your own, and perform well in games. Fair play means that you
believe in yourself and see yourself as important in some things, not everything

Cooperation with Officials
The rules of the game help you play the game better. Fair play means that you go along with
the rules and cooperate with the referees, who are there for one main purpose-to make sure
the game, is played better. If you are really honest with yourself and with the referees, you’ll
usually get more out of the game

Getting involved
A good player wants to get into the game but also wants others to play. Fair play means you
defend the right to play both for yourself and for others

Building the Team
To be a good team member, you need to get to know all of your teammates and the coach
and to let them get to know you. We are all different in ability and in skills. Fair play is listening
to each other, sharing ideas and feelings, and helping each other increase strengths and reach
goals

Sticking Up for What You Believe
If you believe in fair play and stick up for it, you will be respected. It means taking a stand in
favor of the things listed above. It means letting others know that you value your teammates,
the other team, yourself, and the rules of the game. We all like to win but it shouldn’t be at the
cost of giving up what we believe in

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JONESBORO PARKS & RECREATION YOUTH SPORTS POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
CREATING THE PROTECTIVE SHIELD
This youth sports program exists to help children in the development of positive life skills and
self-concepts. Our goal is to provide safe, enjoyable recreation opportunities for participants

We are against any forms of abuse or maltreatment of children in youth sports. We each have
a responsibility to do what we can to prevent any and all forms of child abuse

We intend to take reasonable and intentional action to protect participants from any form of
abuse or maltreatment and to deal with any transgressions in a timely and appropriate manner

Jonesboro Parks & Recreation Department uses all reasonable efforts to screen employees,
and/or volunteers in order to avoid instances where young athletes may be endangered,
neglected, or abused

Although no organization can make every participant 100% safe from all forms of abuse,
through screening, training, supervision, and steps to create a healthy environment for children
to thrive in youth sports, we are taking critical steps toward protecting all of our participants

It is our mission to teach the basic skills which young people need to play sports in a safe and
nurturing environment, where all children get an equal chance to play regardless of play
level

Every child in our leagues has the right to have fun while participating in our program

We will not tolerate any abusive behaviors that may jeopardize a child’s well-being

Adopted from the National Alliance for Youth Sports Child Abuse and Youth Sports: A
Comprehensive Risk Management Program
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JONESBORO PARKS & RECREATION YOUTH SPORTS POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
GENERAL POLICIES
Participation
Most Jonesboro Parks & Recreation Youth Sports programs are participatory in nature and do not
require participants to try-out to participate

All sports will emphasize the pleasure of skill development and physical fitness and avoid preoccupation
with winning and perfectionism

Each child should receive playing time as described in individual sports rules. Every player participates for
a significant period of time in every game or practice

Sign-Ups
1. Every sports league program has registration deadlines and unique rules on how the league must
assemble teams. The Department will establish sign-up periods for each sport and will allow enough
advance time for complete teams to be assembled before league registration deadlines

2. Team Requests - The Recreation Department realizes requesting certain teams for reasons of
transportation, child care, friends, etc., would be appreciated by parents. However, special request
are limited to the Jonesboro Parks and Recreation Departments digression. We are dedicated to
making teams as BALANCED as possible

3. Because of team size restrictions, signing up does not guarantee a position on a team roster

Therefore, the Department takes sign-ups on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reasonable efforts will be
made to create additional teams or roster spots for teams that are over-enrolled

4. Team Size
A. The Department establishes minimum team sizes for each sport based upon experience. This
is done to reduce forfeited games and to assure that players have reasonable rest breaks that the
Department would expect for that sport

B. The Department establishes maximum team sizes for each sport based upon experience. This
is done to assure reasonable levels of playing time for each registered player and to assure that
each has the opportunity to receive appropriate amounts of direction from the coaches

C. The Department, from time to time, will approve minor changes to the minimum or maximum
team sizes to deal with unique circumstances that may arise. The Department may consult a
coach if we are considering making changes

5. The Department will not allow a child to move up to an older age division, unless the younger division
has an abundance of players and the older division is short of players. A child moving up must have
played at least one year in the league they wish to move up from. If there is a special request to move a
player up, the program coordinator will consider the request. The program coordinator will make the
final decision after the supervisor confers with the player’s past coach(es) and future coach(es). The
department will not allow any child to play down in any age group

Creating Balanced Teams
Attention Parents / Guardians & Coaches: Please note, before you register a participant for this program, that the
Recreation Department comprises teams of equal age groups, location, coaching availability, etc. when possible

Only the HEAD coach's son/daughter is guaranteed a slot on the team he/she is coaching. Any siblings will also be
guaranteed a spot on the team as well. We cannot guarantee a specific coach, team or any other player in the
league since this would take away from the purpose of our philosophy of developing teams. Thanks for your
support

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JONESBORO PARKS & RECREATION YOUTH SPORTS POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
Team Formation Process
When a league has more than one team entered in the same classification/age group, the following criteria will be used
to formulate team rosters; with the objective of creating evenly matched and diverse teams by distributing players
equitably(listed below by priority) . There will be no guarantee to specific teams, coach or carpool requests. “The only
exception will be siblings registered in the same age and coach with their children

Practice and Game Schedules
Practice and game schedules are prepared according to the following criteria:
A. Facility availability. There may be times, with limited notice, that regularly scheduled
activities may be canceled or relocated to a different facility

B. Coach’s availability: For some programs coaches are able to choose which days they are
available to practice. Most times we do not know who is coaching until registration has
been completed and coaching applications have been accepted

Game Cancellations and Rescheduling
If a game is canceled due to weather or other unforeseeable circumstances, all efforts will be made to
reschedule that game

However, due to time restraints and/or facility usage conflicts, some games may not be rescheduled

It will be the decision of the Jonesboro Parks & Recreation Department and head coaches of some of the
programs to decide if and when the games will be made up

Locations
Field locations and facility locations are indicated on the schedules of each individual sport

League Rules
City Stars Rules can be found by clicking: City Stars Rules Parents are encouraged to read the rules
to become familiar with the sport. http://www.jonesboro.org/DocumentCenter/View/2403
Payments and Refunds (Where applicable)
Payments are due for all programs at time of registration
If a program is cancelled, the participant is entitled to a full refund or a credit to the individual’s
household account for use within the current fiscal year

Refunds to those who choose to drop a program will be determined on a case by case basis. In order to
cancel and receive a refund (minus a $10.00 administrative fee) you must personally contact the
Recreation Department five business days prior to the first day of the program. Please allow 4-6 weeks
for processing

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JONESBORO PARKS & RECREATION YOUTH SPORTS POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
Medical Emergencies
For any injury or accident that requires something other than a cleaning and covering with a bandage,
coaches and parents are required to seek professional medical assistance through 911 calls

If medical transportation is required, the charges incurred will be the responsibility of the
parents and/or the parent’s/guardian’s insurance policy

Please notify the league if your child has a pre-existing medical condition (i.e. allergies, medications,
physical impairments, etc.) on the registration form; the league will then inform the coach of the
situation. This is essential in order to determine the severity of an accident and to assist the medical
personnel who respond to the scene

Selection of Volunteer Coaches
Application Procedure: In order to ensure the safety of all participants in the Jonesboro Parks & Recreation Youth
Sports Program, all individuals wishing to volunteer as a head coach for a youth sports team within the Jonesboro
Parks & Recreation Department must follow this procedure:
Submit to Jonesboro Parks & Recreation, a completed Volunteer Application
Provide written consent for Jonesboro Parks & Recreation to conduct a criminal background check
Meet with the Recreation Director/Program Coordinator
Background Checks: All coaches may be required to undergo a criminal background investigation. This process is to
further ensure the safety and well being of all participants. All coaches will be subject to random background and
criminal investigations

A person will be disqualified and prohibited from serving as a volunteer with the Jonesboro Parks & Recreation
Department if the person:
1. Fails to consent to a personal criminal background search; or
2. Has been convicted (including crimes whereby a plea of “no contest” was entered) of a crime of child
abuse, sexual assault, child neglect, murder, voluntary manslaughter, felony assault, arson,
robbery, burglary, indecent exposure, public lewdness, terrorist threats, any offense against
a minor, kidnapping, or felony violations of the Controlled Substance Act; or,
3. Has been convicted, in any combination, of the following offenses: Misdemeanor Assault, or
any violation of the Controlled Substance Act; or,
4. Has been subject to any court order involving any sexual abuse or physical abuse of a
minor, including but not limited to domestic order for protection

5. Has been adjudged liable for civil penalties or damages involving sexual or physical abuse
of children; or
6. Has been subject to any court order involving any sexual or physical abuse of a minor,
including but not limited to domestic order for protection. The Jonesboro Parks & Recreation
Department shall have final decision on all personnel matters. Robbery, burglary, indecent
exposure, public lewdness, terrorist threats, any offense against a minor, kidnapping, or
felony violations of the Controlled Substance Act

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JONESBORO PARKS & RECREATION YOUTH SPORTS POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
Protests
No protest of games or contest will be permitted. Decisions of the game official will stand

Safety
A safe playing environment is essential to provide a high quality recreational sports program

Coaches should report any and all findings or accidents to the Recreation Department, regardless of
the nature of the incident; use the accident report form, which is provided to you

Weather
The safety of participants, officials, and spectators is the primary concern in cases of inclement weather. Once
the game has started the officials will have the responsibility to remove the players from the field if
the conditions become extreme

If ordered to do so, please find a safe shelter in an automobile or building until instructed to return to
the playing field or told that the game has been cancelled

In most programs games are played rain or shine. Cancellations occur only due to severe weather or
persistent rain. If you think the weather is questionable please call our RAIN OUT # 870-336-7246 to
check for possible cancellations. If there is an old message or no message pertaining to the day you are
inquiring about than no cancellations have occurred

Programs that use school facilities will be cancelled in the event that the school is closed for a snow day

Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at any parks and recreation sports venues

No coach or other volunteer shall participate in any Jonesboro Parks & Recreation sponsored event,
including practices and games, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

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JONESBORO PARKS & RECREATION YOUTH SPORTS POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
Participant Section
RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS
Participation in youth sports programs can have a lasting and meaningful effect on children’s lives. Therefore, it is
the goal of Jonesboro Parks & Recreation to provide the highest quality of athletic programs to ensure that a
child’s experience with sport is a positive one. It takes the cooperation of everyone involved, including the
participant, to make this happen. Therefore Jonesboro Parks & Recreation has established the following
responsibilities for participants to adhere to:
Players will listen to their coaches and be respectful of their elders

Players will take care of the facilities, equipment, and uniforms, which they are given

Players will make sure to eat the right foods and drink plenty of water before and after practices and
games

Players will avoid all types of taunting, bullying, and belittling remarks to their teammates or opponents

Players will show good sportsmanship at all times, win or lose

Players will not make sports a priority over schoolwork or family

Players will refrain from horseplay and all other dangerous activities, in which they may become hurt

Players will participate for the love of the game and competition and not to win at all costs

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JONESBORO PARKS & RECREATION YOUTH SPORTS POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
PLAYERS CODE OF ETHICS
I hereby pledge to be positive about my youth sports experience responsibility for my
participation by following this Player’s Code of Ethics Pledge:
 I will encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials, and parents
at every game and practice by demonstrating good sportsmanship.

 I will attend every practice and game that I can, and will notify my coach if I cannot.

 I will expect to receive fair and equal amount of playing time.

 I will do my very best to listen and learn from my coaches.

 I will treat my coaches, other players, officials and fans with respect regardless of
race, sex, creed, or abilities and I will expect to be treated accordingly.

 I will deserve to have fun during my sports experience and will alert parents or coaches
if it stops being fun!

 I deserve to play in an environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and
expect adults to refrain from their use at all youth sports events.

 I will encourage my parents to be involved with my team in some capacity because it’s
important to me.

 I will do my very best in school.

 I will remember that sports are an opportunity to learn and have fun.
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