certification for youth sports administrators

“I thought the Academy was fantastic, and I'm grateful that I was given tools and ideas that I can start implementing immediately. Sometimes as administrators we get caught up in the negativity of some parents and coaches and the Academy was a great motivator to keep pushing forward and do things the right way. Thank you to NAYS and the instructors for giving us the road map!”

Ryan Orendorff, CPRP Recreation Specialist - Youth Sports, Widefield Community Center, Colorado Springs, CO
“I just wanted to take the time out to thank NAYS for all you do with training everyone and giving us the guidance to provide leadership for our programs. I can honestly say I have been in a lot of trainings and this one is the one that I am most proud of. It wasn't just a couple of yes or no questions; this was one that you had to put time, thought and effort into. The training was top notch, the online exam was great, and I truly am excited to take what I have learned and will continue to learn and provide the best I can for my community.”

Geno Allport, President, Albion Youth Football, Albion, NYY
“The Academy training was the best training that I have been involved in since I was hired at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Scottsdale. It really opened my eyes to the changes that we need to make here.“

Sheila Scott, Sports Fitness & Recreation Coordinator, Boys & Girls Club Scottsdale-Barker Branch, Scottsdale, AZ
“As a faculty member with the Academy I am very excited about the opportunities that the Online Academy present. The charts, graphs, diagrams, web links and photos all make the presentation of our topics second-to-none! I am also looking forward to being involved in the regularly scheduled chat sessions as youth sports administrators from around the world will be able to join together in discussing hot topics on a regular basis throughout the year. See you online!“

John Sadler, President of Sadler and Company
“By earning the CYSA, you are making the ultimate statement that you truly care about the children and the programs you are providing for them. I strongly recommend that anyone involved in youth sports programming make the effort to go through an Academy and maintain this valuable certification. It pays big dividends every day.“

Megan Vining, CYSA, Recreation Supervisor at Pullman Parks and Recreation, WA
"The decisions we make on a daily basis have profound and long-lasting impact on the children who participate in our programs. I have benefited immensely from earning my CYSA credential as it has enabled me to be a better leader, a more effective communicator and also be more informed on the wide variety of issues we deal with on a daily basis."

Maria Barner, CYSA, Bureau Manager – Recreation, City of Norfolk, VA
"I have become more knowledgeable in many areas of the youth sports field today. Living in a small community, we often don’t see or hear about some of the crazy things that happen at sporting events in other areas of the country. With all the information that CYSAs receive through email, on the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) website and through Sporting Kid Magazine, etc., youth sports administrators can keep up to date with the times, be prepared to handle unique situations when they occur and keep young athletes safe on the playing fields. It has been a great honor to become a CYSA and to be able to put this valuable information in place in our youth sports programs."

Matt Bouchard, Caribou Parks and Recreation, Caribou, ME
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Online Academy

The Online Academy for Youth Sports Administrators is the principle content and resource location for professional youth sports administrators who are interested in earning their Certified Youth Sports Administrator (CYSA) credential. Without leaving your office or home, candidates can experience the comprehensive foundation course designed to raise their professionalism and youth sports knowledge.

The Online Academy is an internet-based training program that includes dynamic content, video presentations, downloadable resources, and more. Once registered, participants are provided log in information to review materials presented in nine sections. Candidates are given 60 days to complete the entire certification process. To provide greater flexibility, the Online Academy is presented in a flexible way to allow participants to review the materials (and submit exams) in any order, at any time.

Online Academy benefits:

  • Start anytime from anywhere!
  • A self-paced and flexible learning environment.
  • An interactive web-based training with easy navigation.
  • No software to install, download or run.
  • Log in at your convenience (two months to complete the exam and then continued access for your entire CYSA Cycle).
  • Network with other CYSAs within the CYSA Area of the Online Academy.
  • Access to valuable downloadable forms, resources and materials.
  • No travel expenses or time out of the office.
  • Continued online access to the CYSA Area for your entire two-year CYSA cycle, including the CYSA Forum, the CYSA Share Area, and more.
  • Gain essential information to help improve your programs.
  • Become a leader in your community.
  • Demonstrate your professional commitment to the field of youth sports.
  • Become part of an elite group of professionals that have also earned the CYSA designation!

The regular tuition for the Online Academy is $395. This fee includes all online materials, the exam, a certificate upon completion as well as a polo shirt and continued access to the CYSA Area for the entire two-year initial CYSA Cycle.

Register for the Online Academy

Please send an email to academy@nays.org for additional information at any time.