EVERYONE PLAYS

·         no tryouts, no cuts

·         teams are assigned by Y management

·         equal practice and equal game times

SAFETY FIRST

·         injury prevention is preferable to treatment

·         constant supervision necessary

·         Stop unsafe conditions immediately

FAIR PLAY

·         character development through sport

·         adults set good examples

·         youth show respect for each other, adults and the Y

POSITIVE COMPETITION

·         placing the interests of the children above “winning” a game

·         learning to compete and cooperate in a competitive world

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

·         appropriate parent involvement

·         assist with games, practices, snacks, etc.

SPORT FOR ALL - programs are offered to all children regardless of race, gender, religion or ability

SPORT FOR FUN - sports are for kids, let’s have fun!

GOALS OF YMCA YOUTH SPORTS

1.    Build self-esteem

2.    Teach social skills, values and character development

3.    Develop physical skills and fitness

4.    Develop responsibility and decision-making skills

5.    Build relationships with team mates and adults

6.    Support or strengthen family life

7.    Learn a sport

8.    FUN!

YMCA CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

The following core values are demonstrated and acknowledged through youth sports programs:

·         Caring

·         Honest

·         Respect

·         Responsibility

·         Faith

GREAT MIAMI VALLEY YMCA YOUTH SPORTS PLEDGE & POLICY

Being a Christian-principled organization, the Y requires teams to say the Youth Sports Pledge before each game.  The purpose is to create unity and to build a sense of sportsmanship among participants – athletes, coaches, parents and officials.  The Y encourages spirited competition that maintains proper perspective, bringing out the best in all. A copy of the pledge will be provided by Y sports staff on site at games.  All players, coaches, officials and Y sports staff are required to meet together to say or listen to the pledge before competition begins. 

The Pledge:  “Win or lose, I pledge before God to do my best, to be a team player, to respect my teammates, opponents and officials, and to improve myself in spirit, mind and body.