Setting The Standard In Youth Sports NAYS traces the creation and continuing evolution of national youth-sports standards that put children’s safety and development first. This article is for Members only
Magnificent Memories Whether there is a decrease in teen pregnancy among girls or reduced drug use among boys, hundreds of studies (backed up with statistics) show that, just by participating in youth sports, children are more likely to turn into better citizens later in life.
Take Advantage Of The Reset Button The return of youth sports offers agencies a chance to reassess programs, priorities, access, training, safety, and the needs of families. This article is for Members only
Equal Access Park and recreation departments can expand girls’ access to sports through equitable facilities, scheduling, outreach, funding, and leadership. This article is for Members only
Don’t Turn A Blind Eye Parks departments should set standards, investigate complaints, and hold outside youth-sports organizations accountable for conduct at public facilities. This article is for Members only
Creative Culture I grew up with six brothers and sisters—all close in age—and there always seemed to be activities at our house, as well as in the backyards and on the streets in the neighborhood. This article is for Members only
A Father’s Pledge My father, Ronald Henry Ciancutti—son of Henry Ronald Ciancutti and future father of me, Ronald Drew Ciancutti—stared at the ceiling in the gymnasium as the light grew brighter in the early morning hours. This article is for Members only
The Great Debate Participation awards can support young athletes when programs use recognition thoughtfully and keep the focus on effort, growth, and enjoyment. This article is for Members only
It’s All In The Approach A coach’s compassionate response to an overmatched team shows how one thoughtful moment can shape children’s memories for a lifetime. This article is for Members only
The Boiling Point Another youth-sports brawl underscores the need for adults, coaches, and administrators to model restraint and keep games focused on children. This article is for Members only
Making Mistakes And Minor Blunders A state-by-state overview explains civil-immunity protections and common exceptions affecting volunteer youth-sports coaches. This article is for Members only
Super Sportsmanship Youth-sports programs can build sportsmanship by training coaches and parents, reinforcing shared values, and publicly recognizing positive behavior. This article is for Members only
