youth sports parent training

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SPORTS PARENT PLEDGE
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"I truly believe the parents thought of the NAYS Parent Training as just another hurdle to pass through to get their child involved, but once they took the class they were impressed. Many parents came up to us after the first class and said they wished some of the other leagues in our community would make this mandatory! The class has made everybody accountable on the field."

Frank Pizzo, Assistant Director, Clinton Township (Mich.) Parks and Recreation
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Training

The NAYS Parent Orientation & Membership Program orientation video covers topics such as safety, injury prevention, modeling sportsmanship, preventing and identifying steroid abuse, plus more! The training is hosted by Chris McKendry, ESPN SportsCenter anchor and sports parent, and features great commentary by well-known and highly respected professionals who share their expertise in the area of youth sports,.

View a clip of the orientation video:

*NAYS Parent Orientation & Membership Program was formerly known as the Parents Association for Youth Sports or PAYS

Expert presenters:

  • Dr. Dan Wann, a psychology professor at Murray State University, shares why even the most mild-mannered of parents can suddenly behave irrationally during their child's sports activities.
  • Dr. Julie Partridge, associate professor of sport and exercise psychology at Southern Illinois University, explains how parents can help build a foundation of resiliency with their child.
  • Dr. Robert Masson, an internationally recognized neurosurgeon, discusses concussions and the importance of recognizing when a concussion has occurred in a young athlete.
  • Dr. Keith Wheeler, vice president at Abbott Laboratories, and sports nutritionist Michelle Rockwell stress the importance of hydration and proper nutrition in youth sports, including healthy meals and snacks, plus foods and beverages to avoid.
  • Nancy McBride, national safety director for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, shares information about the mindset many parents have that abuse only happens to other kids. [Member Home]

The NAYS Parent Orientation video is about 40 minutes and consists of 8 sections with a review question at the end of each section.

Training Formats

The NAYS Parent Orientation can be completed online or by attending an on-site orientation hosted by a local NAYS Member Organization. 

On-site/Live Orientation

On-site orientations are hosted by a local NAYS Member Organization and allow for valuable interaction and discussion amongst parents. A NAYS Member Organization is a local youth sports organization which has chosen to offer the program to its parents. For instance, Parks & Recreation Departments, youth associations, Boys & Girls Clubs, Police Athletic Leagues and YMCAs may all be Member Organizations.


Online Orientation

The NAYS Parent online orientation features the same training content as the on-site/live orientation and gives parents the convenient ability to complete the training from their home or office computer at their own pace.

Go to the online orientation site 

NAYS Code of Ethics for Parents

All NAYS Parent members must agree to the NAYS Code of Ethics for Parents. The signing of the pledge takes place during the orientation.

I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care and encouragement for my child participating in youth sports by following this NAYS Code of Ethics for Parents:

  • I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches and officials at every game, practice, or other youth sports event.
  • I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my child ahead of a personal desire to win.
  • I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.
  • I will require that my child's coach be trained in the responsibilities of being a youth sports coach and that the coach upholds the NAYS Code of Ethics for Coaches.
  • I will support coaches and officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
  • I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco and alcohol, and will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.
  • I will remember that the game is for youth - not for adults.
  • I will do my very best to make youth sports fun for my child.
  • I will help my child enjoy the youth sports experience by doing whatever I can, such as being a respectful fan, assisting with coaching, or providing transportation.
  • I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.

Parent Signature: ______________________________

Date: ________________