parent handbook for youth sports
TRANSCRIPT
Revised January 2021
Jeff Davis, Assistant Parks Director, [email protected]
Shea Sengelmann, Athletics Coordinator, [email protected]
Parks and Recreation Office, (972) 382-2682 ext. 6002
01
STAY UP-TO-DATE Website The City of Celina Parks & Recreation Department utilizes its website, sports.celina-tx.gov, as one of its most valuable tools. It can be used as a tool for coaches, players, and parents. There is also a SportsEngine app, available for both Apple and Android devices, where you can easily access posted game schedules for leagues managed by the Parks & Recreation Department. These communication methods allow:
• Mass communication with teams • Viewing of schedules, rosters, and division standings • Easy registration for programs • Direct communication between parents and/or players and coaches
Newsletter Make sure to subscribe to the Celina Parks & Recreation Newsletter. This will help you to stay up-todate on all things happening through the department. This includes important registration openings and deadlines! Anyone can subscribe by visiting sports.celina-tx.gov/newsletter.
You can also subscribe to the Newsletter using “text to join”. Simply text PARKS to 66866 and follow the prompts.
Social Media Follow @CelinaTXparks on social media (Facebook and Instagram) for additional Parks & Recreation updates.
YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
02
INTRODUCTION Welcome to youth sports programming offered by the City of Celina Parks & Recreation Department! The purpose of this guide is to lay out expectations, policies, and procedures for staff, coaches, parents, and spectators during the sports season. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact a member of the Parks & Recreation Department.
MISSION STATEMENT Celina Parks & Recreation’s mission is to enrich the lives of community members by maintaining high quality facilities to host unrivaled recreational sport opportunities, satisfying passive recreation choices, and unforgettable special events for both our residents and the entire North Texas region. The department strives to deepen the community’s understanding of “Life Connected.” in the context of physical and mental wellness and uphold strong Celina traditions that are a cornerstone of the city’s appeal.
KNOW THE STATISTICS • 70% of children drop out of organized sport by age 13
• 1.5% of all high school athletes will play collegiate sports
• Less than .5% will play professional sports
• The top motivation for kids to play sports is to HAVE FUN
YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
03
GOALS FOR YOUTH SPORTS Through the combined efforts of staff, coaches, and parents, we can achieve the following goals that will help create a positive experience for everyone.
Goal #1 - Safety First: Provide a safe playing environment How to achieve it: Inspect playing fields and equipment regularly; report concerns immediately; background checks for coaches; coach training sessions; follow all department guidelines. Parents, spectators, and participants should report ANY safety concern they may have to a Parks staff member.
Goal #2 - Have Fun: We want players (and parents) to want to return next season How to achieve it: Adjust priorities; winning is not a top priority. We want our teams to be competitive but not at the expense of having fun.
Goal #3 - Skill Development: Learn and perform the fundamentals of each sport How to achieve it: TELL, SHOW, DO. Teach the players things they can do on their own. Attending practices is the minimum. Players need to attend practices to learn drills they can practice at home. Growth and advancement are achieved when players do work beyond team practice time.
Goal #4 - Positive Feedback: Build players up How to achieve it: Be constructive. Know the power of positive feedback and encouragement. Children cannot be afraid to make mistakes. Be mindful of the different approaches to addressing and correcting “physical” versus “mental” mistakes.
Goal #5 - Everyone plays. Period. How to achieve it: If a player attends practices and is not subject to disciplinary actions by the coach or league officials, they will receive beneficial playing time.
YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
EXPECTATIONS FOR THE PARKS & REC DEPARTMENT
Communication • Provide clear communication with coaches through phone, text, and
email. • Update the Parks & Recreation website in a timely fashion. • Collect feedback from parents and caoches via an end-of-season survey.
General Principles • Every Player Participates
• Every child in our recreational leagues will have fair playing time so long as the child shows up to practice and gives their best effort. Sitting on the bench does not help achieve our goal of player development.
• Emphasis on Skill Development • Athletic programs will emphasize the fun of skill development and
physical fitness while avoiding preoccupation with winning and perfectionism.
• Sportsmanship • Coaches, players, and spectators are representatives of their town
and the Parks & Recreation Department and are expected to act accordingly.
• Rules • All sports will use the Parks & Recreation Department sanctioned
rules. An in-depth explanation of rules can be found in the sport- specific rules packet.
Specific Expectations • Handle advertising and program registration. • Provide coaching staff with parental permission for each player. • Arrange a schedule of games, ensuring that teams are as evenly matched
as possible. • Publish a complete schedule of practices and games for all coaches
and participants at the beginning of the season. Inform all coaches and participants of any change in that schedule.
• Provide teams with the proper equipment for their sport. • Support coaches in their efforts to provide a positive athletic experience
for players.
04 YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
Specific Expectations (cont.) • Work to ensure that officials are competent and fully aware of the
objectives of the program and the level of proficiency of the players. • Ensure that facilities are ready for games. • Provide each coach with training and sport-specific rules. • Provide each coach with directions to all away game field locations. • Notify coaches of conflicts that may arise throughout the season in the
course of following these guidelines.
05 YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
06
Coaches will: 1. Provide a safe physical environment
• Know the inherent risks • Check fields, playing areas, and equipment regularly
2. Communicate with staff, coaches, players, and parents in a positive way • Keep the best interest of the players at heart
3. Teach the fundamental skills of the sport • Ensure fun yet productive practices • Keep in mind that it’s a game
4. Teach the rules of the sport • Know the rules and incorporate into instruction • Cover offensive and defensive rules during practice
5. Direct players in competition • Establish starting players and substitution plans that will ensure everyone
participates • Communicate with officials and opposing coaches • Coach players to compete well, do their best, and improve skills rather
than seeking to win at all costs 6. Help players develop a lifelong pleasure of the sport
• Teach players to enjoy the sport as a game • Do not use pushups/running laps as punishment • Play safely and successfully
7. Help young players develop character • Encourage learning, caring, honesty, respect, and taking responsibility • Demonstrate positive character traits to set an example for players • Consistently prioritze sportsmanship
Communication • Maintain multiple means of communication between parents and the
Parks & Recreation Department (phone, text, email, etc.). • Engage in open communication with league officials.
YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
General Principles • Every Player Participates
• Every child in our recreational leagues will have fair playing time so long as the child shows up to practice and gives their best effort. Sitting on the bench does not help achieve our goal of player development.
• Emphasis on Skill Development • Athletic programs will emphasize the fun of skill development and
physical fitness while avoiding preoccupation with winning and perfectionism.
• Sportsmanship • Coaches, players, and spectators are representatives of their town
and the Parks & Recreation Department and are expected to act accordingly.
• Rules • All sports will use the Parks & Recreation Department sanctioned
rules. An in-depth explanation of rules can be found in the sport- specific rules packet.
Specific Expectations • Be courteous and respectful to other coaches and players, and the
officials. You are a representative of your town and the Parks & Recreation Department.
• See that every player participates in every game during the regular season. Fair participation in the program is the goal.
• In practices and games, players should be as evenly matched as possible; preoccupation with winning is discouraged.
• Teach players to accept defeat graciously and lead by example. • Demonstrate respect for the authority of the officials, the skills of players,
and coaches. • Conduct communication with coaches and officials in a professional
manner. • Ensure that the Parks & Recreation Department equipment is accounted
for and maintained in useable condition. • Be reliable and on time (the first to arrive, last to leave). • Ensure that all participants in the program have registered. • Keep attendance as required. • Never play a player who has been injured. When in doubt, do not play the
player. Think of the player and not the team’s final outcome. • Leave facilities in the same or better condition than they were when the
team arrived. • Complete required coach’s training through NAYS and demonstrate
understanding of the material through actions.
07 YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
07 Specific Expectations (cont.)
• Contact parents and/or Department staff if a player is injured and requires medical attention. Participate in any follow-up procedures as necessary.
• Ensure that all players and coaches shake hands after the game. Coaches should thank officials and the opposing coach.
• Be creative when your team is more skilled than the other team. For example, try to put players in different positions. Do not run up the score.
• Ensure the security of all facilities used following the completion of a game or practice. This includes (but is not limited to) locking doors, turning off lights, and storing equipment as applies to each facility.
• Ensure that the playing conditions, facilities, or other circumstances present no physical risks to the players. If they do, take appropriate action as necessary.
YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
08
Primary Roles • Motivator
• Help the child through practice and reinforcement of techniques • Psychological Supporter
• Give positive advice and support • Organizer/Facilitator
• Assist with a variety of support tasks
Communication • Ask if you can help and assist only when needed. • Issues involving coaches, players, and/or officials can be openly
discussed directly with Parks & Recreation Department staff. • Please note that if you ever have questions or need assistance regarding
your role or any other issues, there are professionals on staff who are trained in youth sport management that can act as a resource for you.
General Principles • Sportsmanship
• Parents and spectators should: • Set a good example. • Remember that they represent the Parks & Recreation Department
and the community. • Learn the rules of the game. • Refrain from making abusive or negative remarks toward officials,
coaches, players, and other spectators. Instead demonstrate positive support at every game and practice.
• Be considerate of injured players on the visiting team. • Refrain from the encouragement of rough play. • Recognize the position of parents and spectators as a role model
for others, particularly young players, and act accordingly. • Rules
• All sports will use the Parks & Recreation Department sanctioned rules. An in-depth explanation of rules can be found in the sport- specific rules packet.
YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
09 Specific Conduct Expectations
• Be courteous and respectful to all coaches, players, officials, and spectators. Parents and spectators represent the community, the Parks & Recreation Department, and their families and should behave accordingly.
• Do not take the outcome of the game too seriously. Focus should be kids first, winning second.
• Encourage and applaud your team AND the opposing team. • Verbal abuse or profanity of any kind is prohibited. • Assist the coaches in any way possible to improve the functionality of the
team in regards to team administration. • Never criticize the performance of players/coaches/officials on the field • Accept official’s decisions. • Inform coaches of possible future absences. • Do not try to coach unless asked by the head coach.
A signature acknowledging that you have read the above expectations and agree to practice positive youth sport conduct is required to register for any youth sport program through the Celina Parks & Recreation Department. Actions determined to be contrary to a positive youth sport environment may be met with discipline from the Parks & Recreation Department.
YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
10
CONCUSSIONS Know the Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion (CDC)
• Commonly observed concussion signs and symptoms: • Can’t recall events prior to or after a hit/fall • Appears dazed or stunned • Forgets instruction or is confused about an assignment or game details • Moves clumsily • Responds to questions slowly • Loses consciousness • Shows mood, behavior, and/or personality changes • Commonly reported concussion symptoms: • Headache or pressure in head • Nausea or vomiting • Balance problems, dizziness, and/or blurry vision • Bothered by light or noise • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy • Confusion, concentration or memory problems • Just not “feeling right” or “feeling down”
All parents involved in our youth sports programs are encouraged to learn more about concussions at cdc.gov/headsup.
POLICIES Videography and Photography
• All videography and photography is allowed at Old Celina Park. The Parks & Recreation Department is not responsible for filming or photographing during youth sports.
• All videography and photography must be done from the spectator area. It is NOT allowed in the playing area. If it needs to be done within the playing area, you must contact the Parks & Recreation Department in advance to receive permission.
Old Celina Park • For more information, see City Ordinances at celina-tx.gov
YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
Jeff Davis, Assistant Parks Director, [email protected]
Shea Sengelmann, Athletics Coordinator, [email protected]
Parks and Recreation Office, (972) 382-2682 ext. 6002
01
STAY UP-TO-DATE Website The City of Celina Parks & Recreation Department utilizes its website, sports.celina-tx.gov, as one of its most valuable tools. It can be used as a tool for coaches, players, and parents. There is also a SportsEngine app, available for both Apple and Android devices, where you can easily access posted game schedules for leagues managed by the Parks & Recreation Department. These communication methods allow:
• Mass communication with teams • Viewing of schedules, rosters, and division standings • Easy registration for programs • Direct communication between parents and/or players and coaches
Newsletter Make sure to subscribe to the Celina Parks & Recreation Newsletter. This will help you to stay up-todate on all things happening through the department. This includes important registration openings and deadlines! Anyone can subscribe by visiting sports.celina-tx.gov/newsletter.
You can also subscribe to the Newsletter using “text to join”. Simply text PARKS to 66866 and follow the prompts.
Social Media Follow @CelinaTXparks on social media (Facebook and Instagram) for additional Parks & Recreation updates.
YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
02
INTRODUCTION Welcome to youth sports programming offered by the City of Celina Parks & Recreation Department! The purpose of this guide is to lay out expectations, policies, and procedures for staff, coaches, parents, and spectators during the sports season. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact a member of the Parks & Recreation Department.
MISSION STATEMENT Celina Parks & Recreation’s mission is to enrich the lives of community members by maintaining high quality facilities to host unrivaled recreational sport opportunities, satisfying passive recreation choices, and unforgettable special events for both our residents and the entire North Texas region. The department strives to deepen the community’s understanding of “Life Connected.” in the context of physical and mental wellness and uphold strong Celina traditions that are a cornerstone of the city’s appeal.
KNOW THE STATISTICS • 70% of children drop out of organized sport by age 13
• 1.5% of all high school athletes will play collegiate sports
• Less than .5% will play professional sports
• The top motivation for kids to play sports is to HAVE FUN
YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
03
GOALS FOR YOUTH SPORTS Through the combined efforts of staff, coaches, and parents, we can achieve the following goals that will help create a positive experience for everyone.
Goal #1 - Safety First: Provide a safe playing environment How to achieve it: Inspect playing fields and equipment regularly; report concerns immediately; background checks for coaches; coach training sessions; follow all department guidelines. Parents, spectators, and participants should report ANY safety concern they may have to a Parks staff member.
Goal #2 - Have Fun: We want players (and parents) to want to return next season How to achieve it: Adjust priorities; winning is not a top priority. We want our teams to be competitive but not at the expense of having fun.
Goal #3 - Skill Development: Learn and perform the fundamentals of each sport How to achieve it: TELL, SHOW, DO. Teach the players things they can do on their own. Attending practices is the minimum. Players need to attend practices to learn drills they can practice at home. Growth and advancement are achieved when players do work beyond team practice time.
Goal #4 - Positive Feedback: Build players up How to achieve it: Be constructive. Know the power of positive feedback and encouragement. Children cannot be afraid to make mistakes. Be mindful of the different approaches to addressing and correcting “physical” versus “mental” mistakes.
Goal #5 - Everyone plays. Period. How to achieve it: If a player attends practices and is not subject to disciplinary actions by the coach or league officials, they will receive beneficial playing time.
YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
EXPECTATIONS FOR THE PARKS & REC DEPARTMENT
Communication • Provide clear communication with coaches through phone, text, and
email. • Update the Parks & Recreation website in a timely fashion. • Collect feedback from parents and caoches via an end-of-season survey.
General Principles • Every Player Participates
• Every child in our recreational leagues will have fair playing time so long as the child shows up to practice and gives their best effort. Sitting on the bench does not help achieve our goal of player development.
• Emphasis on Skill Development • Athletic programs will emphasize the fun of skill development and
physical fitness while avoiding preoccupation with winning and perfectionism.
• Sportsmanship • Coaches, players, and spectators are representatives of their town
and the Parks & Recreation Department and are expected to act accordingly.
• Rules • All sports will use the Parks & Recreation Department sanctioned
rules. An in-depth explanation of rules can be found in the sport- specific rules packet.
Specific Expectations • Handle advertising and program registration. • Provide coaching staff with parental permission for each player. • Arrange a schedule of games, ensuring that teams are as evenly matched
as possible. • Publish a complete schedule of practices and games for all coaches
and participants at the beginning of the season. Inform all coaches and participants of any change in that schedule.
• Provide teams with the proper equipment for their sport. • Support coaches in their efforts to provide a positive athletic experience
for players.
04 YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
Specific Expectations (cont.) • Work to ensure that officials are competent and fully aware of the
objectives of the program and the level of proficiency of the players. • Ensure that facilities are ready for games. • Provide each coach with training and sport-specific rules. • Provide each coach with directions to all away game field locations. • Notify coaches of conflicts that may arise throughout the season in the
course of following these guidelines.
05 YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
06
Coaches will: 1. Provide a safe physical environment
• Know the inherent risks • Check fields, playing areas, and equipment regularly
2. Communicate with staff, coaches, players, and parents in a positive way • Keep the best interest of the players at heart
3. Teach the fundamental skills of the sport • Ensure fun yet productive practices • Keep in mind that it’s a game
4. Teach the rules of the sport • Know the rules and incorporate into instruction • Cover offensive and defensive rules during practice
5. Direct players in competition • Establish starting players and substitution plans that will ensure everyone
participates • Communicate with officials and opposing coaches • Coach players to compete well, do their best, and improve skills rather
than seeking to win at all costs 6. Help players develop a lifelong pleasure of the sport
• Teach players to enjoy the sport as a game • Do not use pushups/running laps as punishment • Play safely and successfully
7. Help young players develop character • Encourage learning, caring, honesty, respect, and taking responsibility • Demonstrate positive character traits to set an example for players • Consistently prioritze sportsmanship
Communication • Maintain multiple means of communication between parents and the
Parks & Recreation Department (phone, text, email, etc.). • Engage in open communication with league officials.
YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
General Principles • Every Player Participates
• Every child in our recreational leagues will have fair playing time so long as the child shows up to practice and gives their best effort. Sitting on the bench does not help achieve our goal of player development.
• Emphasis on Skill Development • Athletic programs will emphasize the fun of skill development and
physical fitness while avoiding preoccupation with winning and perfectionism.
• Sportsmanship • Coaches, players, and spectators are representatives of their town
and the Parks & Recreation Department and are expected to act accordingly.
• Rules • All sports will use the Parks & Recreation Department sanctioned
rules. An in-depth explanation of rules can be found in the sport- specific rules packet.
Specific Expectations • Be courteous and respectful to other coaches and players, and the
officials. You are a representative of your town and the Parks & Recreation Department.
• See that every player participates in every game during the regular season. Fair participation in the program is the goal.
• In practices and games, players should be as evenly matched as possible; preoccupation with winning is discouraged.
• Teach players to accept defeat graciously and lead by example. • Demonstrate respect for the authority of the officials, the skills of players,
and coaches. • Conduct communication with coaches and officials in a professional
manner. • Ensure that the Parks & Recreation Department equipment is accounted
for and maintained in useable condition. • Be reliable and on time (the first to arrive, last to leave). • Ensure that all participants in the program have registered. • Keep attendance as required. • Never play a player who has been injured. When in doubt, do not play the
player. Think of the player and not the team’s final outcome. • Leave facilities in the same or better condition than they were when the
team arrived. • Complete required coach’s training through NAYS and demonstrate
understanding of the material through actions.
07 YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
07 Specific Expectations (cont.)
• Contact parents and/or Department staff if a player is injured and requires medical attention. Participate in any follow-up procedures as necessary.
• Ensure that all players and coaches shake hands after the game. Coaches should thank officials and the opposing coach.
• Be creative when your team is more skilled than the other team. For example, try to put players in different positions. Do not run up the score.
• Ensure the security of all facilities used following the completion of a game or practice. This includes (but is not limited to) locking doors, turning off lights, and storing equipment as applies to each facility.
• Ensure that the playing conditions, facilities, or other circumstances present no physical risks to the players. If they do, take appropriate action as necessary.
YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
08
Primary Roles • Motivator
• Help the child through practice and reinforcement of techniques • Psychological Supporter
• Give positive advice and support • Organizer/Facilitator
• Assist with a variety of support tasks
Communication • Ask if you can help and assist only when needed. • Issues involving coaches, players, and/or officials can be openly
discussed directly with Parks & Recreation Department staff. • Please note that if you ever have questions or need assistance regarding
your role or any other issues, there are professionals on staff who are trained in youth sport management that can act as a resource for you.
General Principles • Sportsmanship
• Parents and spectators should: • Set a good example. • Remember that they represent the Parks & Recreation Department
and the community. • Learn the rules of the game. • Refrain from making abusive or negative remarks toward officials,
coaches, players, and other spectators. Instead demonstrate positive support at every game and practice.
• Be considerate of injured players on the visiting team. • Refrain from the encouragement of rough play. • Recognize the position of parents and spectators as a role model
for others, particularly young players, and act accordingly. • Rules
• All sports will use the Parks & Recreation Department sanctioned rules. An in-depth explanation of rules can be found in the sport- specific rules packet.
YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
09 Specific Conduct Expectations
• Be courteous and respectful to all coaches, players, officials, and spectators. Parents and spectators represent the community, the Parks & Recreation Department, and their families and should behave accordingly.
• Do not take the outcome of the game too seriously. Focus should be kids first, winning second.
• Encourage and applaud your team AND the opposing team. • Verbal abuse or profanity of any kind is prohibited. • Assist the coaches in any way possible to improve the functionality of the
team in regards to team administration. • Never criticize the performance of players/coaches/officials on the field • Accept official’s decisions. • Inform coaches of possible future absences. • Do not try to coach unless asked by the head coach.
A signature acknowledging that you have read the above expectations and agree to practice positive youth sport conduct is required to register for any youth sport program through the Celina Parks & Recreation Department. Actions determined to be contrary to a positive youth sport environment may be met with discipline from the Parks & Recreation Department.
YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021
10
CONCUSSIONS Know the Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion (CDC)
• Commonly observed concussion signs and symptoms: • Can’t recall events prior to or after a hit/fall • Appears dazed or stunned • Forgets instruction or is confused about an assignment or game details • Moves clumsily • Responds to questions slowly • Loses consciousness • Shows mood, behavior, and/or personality changes • Commonly reported concussion symptoms: • Headache or pressure in head • Nausea or vomiting • Balance problems, dizziness, and/or blurry vision • Bothered by light or noise • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy • Confusion, concentration or memory problems • Just not “feeling right” or “feeling down”
All parents involved in our youth sports programs are encouraged to learn more about concussions at cdc.gov/headsup.
POLICIES Videography and Photography
• All videography and photography is allowed at Old Celina Park. The Parks & Recreation Department is not responsible for filming or photographing during youth sports.
• All videography and photography must be done from the spectator area. It is NOT allowed in the playing area. If it needs to be done within the playing area, you must contact the Parks & Recreation Department in advance to receive permission.
Old Celina Park • For more information, see City Ordinances at celina-tx.gov
YOUTH SPORTS PARENT HANDBOOK JANUARY 2021