PLAYER BILL OF
RIGHTS
* Right to participate in sports
* Right to participate at a level commensurate with
each child’s maturity and ability
* Right to have qualified adult leadership
* Right to play as a child and not as an adult
* Right of children to share in the leadership and
decision making of their sport
participation
* Right to participate in safe and healthy
environments
* Right to proper preparation for participation in
sports
* Right to an equal opportunity to strive for success
* Right to be treated with dignity
* Right to have fun in sports
4
Section:
I. Policy
A. Safety
B. Eligibility
C. Registration
D. Sport
Physicals
E. Emergency
Information
F. Medication
Policy
G. Competition
H. Sportsmanship
I. Draft
Procedures
J. “Playing
Up” Talented Players
K. Special Select Teams
L. Coach
Selection
M. Loss
of Coaches
N. Youth
Sports Officials Selection
O. Game/Practice
Cancellations and/or Reschedules
P. Protested
Games
II. Duties and
Responsibilities
A. Player
Conduct
B. Parent
Responsibilities
C. Youth
Sports Committee
D. Individual
Youth Sport Specific Committees
E. Individual
Youth Sport Commissioner’s Responsibilities
F. Lead
Coach’s Responsibilities
G. Lead
Official’s Responsibilities
H. Lead
Team Parent’s Responsibilities
I. Coaches’
Responsibilities and Certification
J. Team
Parent Responsibilities
K. Scorekeeper
Responsibilities
III. Training
Responsibilities
A. Instructional
Programs
B. Clinics
C. Umpire/Referee
Training
D. Volunteer
Training
IV. Logistics
A. Uniforms
B. Equipment
C. Field/Facility
Maintenance
D. Concessions
4
V. Administration
A. Sports Rules
B. Marketing
C. Fund-Raisers
D. Squadron Sponsorship
E. Transportation to Games
F. Awards
G. Team Pictures
H. Opening/Closing Day Ceremonies
I. Team Parties
J. Recruiting
Volunteers and Officials
K.
Base Access
L. Volunteer Hours
M. Needs Survey
N. Season Evaluation
O. Financial Reports
P. Youth Sports Guide
4
I. General Policy: The Air Force family
merits specific support in the form of Youth Sports Programs. This guide
establishes policies and guidelines for Robins AFB Youth Sports Programs to
meet the special needs of the military family and encourage youth development
and achievement by employing qualified and trained personnel and encouraging
parental participation. All persons involved in Robins AFB Youth Sports should
make themselves familiar with the procedures and policies in this guide. Any
apparent conflict between policies will be referred to the Youth Center
Director and Youth Sports Director for a final ruling. Should situations arise
which are not directly covered by current policy, the Youth Center Director and
Youth Sports Director will make the final determination. To the maximum extent
possible an addendum to this guide outlining the new or adjusted policy will be
added.
A. Safety:
1.
Safety
should be a top concern of all volunteers, whether it is the playing
conditions of the field or
the safety practices a coach teaches their players.
Good safety practices are a
must and any deviation from this could endanger
a child’s health.
2.
All
fields/courts will be inspected and approved by Base Safety 90 days prior
to the beginning of each
season (pre-season). If discrepancies exist during the
pre-season inspection, Base
Safety will again inspect and approve all fields/
courts one week prior to
the end of registration.
3.
All
prepared fields will be inspected by the Youth Sports Director or Sports
Commissioner prior to start
of daily game schedule.
4.
It
is the Head Coach’s responsibility to ensure all incidents or accidents are
reported immediately to the
Youth Sports Director. Use AF Form 1187,
Youth Flight Accident Report
to report any incidents. Record injuries
requiring medical attention
on AF Form 1023, Youth Flight Record
of Injuries.
1.
Military
dependent children, civilian federal employee dependent children,
and children of parents otherwise
eligible for use of Services facilities, 5 to
18 years of age. Each sport
has various age restrictions depending on rules
and the numbers of
participants enrolled.
2.There is no formal membership to play in youth
sports other than the
age
guidelines mentioned previously.
C. Registration: All parents
requesting their child/children participate in the Robins AFB Youth Sports Programs must complete a
registration packet prior to playing in a sport. A registration packet includes
a registration form, Parents Code of Ethics. All forms are kept on file at the
Youth Center. Registrations will not be considered complete until all required
fees are paid. Special medical needs or requirements must be noted on the
registration card.
D. Sport Physicals: In order to
participate in a youth sports program, each child must have a current (less
than one year old) sports physical on file at the Youth Center. All
participants must complete their annual physical prior to the first scheduled
game.
E. Emergency Information: As in
all youth sport functions, it is imperative that an emergency information card
be on file at the Youth Center for each sport participant. Emergency
information is available to Head Coaches through the registration forms. Head Coaches
must carry these forms with them to all practices and games.
F. Medication Policy: Under no
circumstances will any person associated with a youth sport program administer
any type of medication to a participating child. This includes any over-the-counter,
non-prescription drugs (including aspirin and inhalants), or prescribed
medicine.
G. Competition: The emphasis of
youth sports, especially for younger age groups, should be skill development,
fun, fundamentals, fitness and participation. Competition should be minimized.
H. Sportsmanship: There is no reason
for poor sportsmanship to be displayed by children or adults. Teaching good
sportsmanship is as important as teaching physical skills and we expect all
volunteers to provide a good example. Any volunteer, child, or parent who
displays inappropriate behavior will be ejected from the activity. Depending on
the severity of the incident, the volunteer may be removed from their position
and suspended from further youth sport programs. Inappropriate behavior will
not be tolerated. The following items will be considered inappropriate:
1. Cursing.
2. Belittling,
sarcasm, or yelling at the children, coaches or officials.
3. Smoking, alcohol, drugs.
4. Harassment of teams, players, coaches or officials.
5. Throwing things in a fit of temper.
6. Inappropriate physical contact.
7. Coaches
using “no-playing time” as a punishment.
I.
Skills Assessment: The process where the coaches conduct a series of
drills to evaluate and rate the skills of each player. the ratings are used for
the draft in a effort to balance the teams and provide parity in the league.
J.
Draft: The process where coaches select players for their teams based on
their skill assessment scores. The reason for this is to balance the teams
completive for the league. Coaches’ children will be drafted along with other
talent and then reassigned to the respective parent’s team. Parent request for
sibling combination on the same team
must be reviewed and approved by the Youth Sports Director.
K
.“Playing Up” Talented Players: The Sports Commissioner and coaches will
contact the Youth Sports Director suggesting one of their players to play up.
After questioning the current and prior coach in detail to determine whether
the coach has valid reasons or not, the Youth Sports Director will question
other coaches who know of the player’s talents. The Youth Sports Director will
then personally observe the child during play. If the player is above and
beyond the playing level of contemporaries, the Youth Sports Director will talk
with the parents and the player. If the parent, and most importantly the
player, want to “play up” to the next grade level the move must be made prior
to the start of the season. There is no “playing down.”
L.
Coach Selection: The Youth Sports Director selects coaches with input
from the Sports Commissioner..
Returning coaches have automatic return rights; however, must complete a
volunteer form with the Youth Sports Director or must identify their desire to
coach again on their child’s registration form. Returning coaches who are
certified, trained, and in good standing are chosen first. Returning coaches
must have demonstrated a strong ability to work satisfactorily with children.
New coaches are usually asked to become an assistant coach the first season.
If not enough head coaches are
available, the Youth Sports Director will informally interview those who have
signed to coach and determine if they
are able to Head Coach. Those volunteers who have played the sport previously,
but have not coached children are chosen after experienced and/or returning
coaches are assigned teams. Coaching positions are strictly voluntary.
M.
Loss of Coaches: Coaches who can no longer participate due to PCS, TDY,
Illness, etc. or who are revoked for cause will in most cases be replaced by
the assistant coach. Should circumstances arise where the assistant coach
cannot assume those duties, the Sports Commissioner and the Youth Sports
Director will be contacted to resolve the issue. All coaching changes require
review by the Sports Commissioner and approval of the Youth Sports Director.
N. Youth Sports Officials: The Sports
Official positions are contracted through Local Officials Associations.
O. Game/Practice Cancellations and/or
Reschedules:
1. Any decision to cancel a
game or practice due to field conditions or weather
will be made by the Youth Sports Director or Youth Center Director one hour prior to game start (when possible). Notification will be made as soon as practical based on existing weather conditions or weather forecast. It will be the Youth Sports Director’s responsibility to notify officials and Head Coaches to ensure the maximum amount of notification time is provided. Head Coaches are responsible for notifying their assistant coaches and team parents and players.
2.
Normally all games will be played and all practices will be conducted in the
rain.
If a game is postponed due to weather, darkness or road conditions (i.e., snow,
ice, sleet) the Youth Sports Director will arrange a make-up date or schedule.
3.
Only the head official may delay the start of a game, stop play, or call a game
complete if field conditions present a danger to
players.
4.
Wind Chill cancellation temperatures are 40 degrees for Kindergarten through
2nd Grade, 35 degrees for 3rd Grade & up.
5. Heat Index cancellation criteria is not
available for youth sports. Therefore, the
Youth
Center Director, Youth Sports Director and/or game officials will make
decisions based on temperature, humidity and specific playing activities.
6.
All games and practices will be suspended immediately if lightning occurs
within
five miles of the base and will not continue until the lightning is outside of
five miles of the base.
7.
If a Head Coach needs to cancel a game, they must notify the Youth Sports
Director 48 hours prior to the game start time. Failure to report the need to reschedule a game may result in team forfeiture. Normally only emergency situations are acceptable reasons for not complying with the 48 hour time limitation. The Youth Sports Director will determine if the emergency is valid.
P.
Protested Games: The Youth Center Sports Program is based on
sportsmanship and must be operated as such. Competition must never overrule
sportsmanship. However, to operate and teach the principles of the game
properly, protests may arise. The protesting Head Coach must file a letter of
protest with the Youth Sports Director within 24 hours of the end of the
protested game. After conferring with the appropriate coaches and
umpires/referees involved, the Youth Sports Director and/or Youth Center
Director will make a final determination on protests.
II. Duties and Responsibilities: Air Force Youth Sports
Programs, provide opportunities for children to develop their physical, social,
emotional, and cognitive abilities including opportunities for achievement,
leadership, and recognition. All volunteers, parents, and players play a very
important role in the complete success of the Robins AFB Youth Sports Program.
4
A.
Player Conduct: The standards of good sportsmanship outlined in
paragraph I-H will be adhered to. Violations of the rules of good sportsmanship
could result in suspension or expulsion from youth sport activities.
B.
Parent Responsibilities: The Robins AFB Youth Sport Programs affords
unique opportunities for parents and children to interact. Parents’ attendance
at sporting events and volunteerism in supporting the youth sports program is
the foundation of youth growth and fulfillment. Parents are encouraged to be
involved with their children’s activities and volunteer their assistance.
Violations of the standards of good sportsmanship outlined in paragraph I-H
could result in suspension or expulsion from youth sport activities.
C.
Youth Sports Committee: This committee is made up of the Youth Sports
Director, the Sport Commissioners of each sport, and individuals known for
their expertise in youth sports. The committee will function for the good of
the entire sports program at Robins AFB. Attendance at committee meetings is
essential for a growing, exemplary program. The Youth Sports Director, in
conjunction with the Sport Commissioners, develops meeting agendas. The Youth
Sports Director or elected chairperson will chair the meeting unless committee
members agree to other procedures. Committee members should not allow coaches’
or parents’ desires or opinions to change or impact the non-competitive,
instructional philosophies of the youth sports program. Committee members must
always keep the goals and objectives of the Robins AFB Youth Sports Program
firmly in mind.
D.
Youth Sport Specific Committees: Each Sport Commissioner will chair
their individual sport committee meetings. Committee membership will consist of
the Sport Commissioner, Coach, and Team Parent. All members are required to
participate in Sport Committee meetings.
E.
Youth Sport Commissioner’s Responsibilities:
1. Responsible for the overall
coordination of the sport in progress.
2.
Ensures
the Lead Coach’s bylaws are appropriate for the grade level.
3.
Assists
Youth Sports Director with publicity, team assignments, and
fund-raisers.
4.
Assists
in the planning and organizing of any player, coach, or official sport
camp, clinic, or workshop.
5.
Informs
officials, coaches, team parents, and grounds keeper of their duties.
6.
Ensures
proper preparations are made to fields or facilities prior to the start of
the sport season and prior to each game day.
7. Plans the player draft and
game scheduling and then passes this information
on to the Official, Coach, and Team Parent.
8. Resolves problems between
coaches, parents, and children with the
assistance of the Youth Sports Director.
9. Assists in the planning and
coordinating of the sport opening and closing
ceremonies.
10. Ensures all volunteers are
recognized.
11. Assists Youth Sports
Director in evaluating and critiquing the current season
and in determining the needs of the sport for the next
season.
F. Coaches’ Responsibilities:
1.
Responsible
for the overall coordination with team coaches during the sport season.
2.
Assists
in the planning and organizing of the children’s sport camp and the workshops
for the coaches and officials.
3.
Provides
all coaches with game schedules and rosters.
4.
Coordinates
with the Youth Sports Director and the Individual Sport Commissioner ensuring
all necessary information is passed to all coaches.
5. Ensures
coaches have current rules and are comfortable with coaching a team.
G. Official’s Responsibilities:
1.
Responsible
for the overall coordination with officials during the sport season.
2 Assists in planning and organizing the workshops
for the coaches and officials.
3. Provides all officials with game schedules.
4. Ensures officials have current rules and are comfortable with
officiating sports
event.
H. Team Parent’s Responsibilities:
1.
Responsible
for the overall coordination with Team Parents during the sport season.
2.
Assists
the Youth Sports Director and Sport Commissioner with notifying Team
Parents
and players of game cancellations and reschedules.
3.
Coordinates
team’s picture schedule.
4
I. Coach’s Responsibilities and
Certification:
1.
Coaches
are adults who are qualified and trained to protect youth and provide
them with activities that contribute to their growth and development.
Coaches teach fundamentals with an emphasis on learning skills and
sportsmanship and not just winning.
2.
Upon
completion of training, each coach will be issued a National Youth Sports
Coaching Association (NYSCA) Coach’s Certification Card. Every coach
and one assistant coach must be certified through the NYSCA. In accepting this
card from another base, the Robins AFB Youth Sports Director reserves the right
to require the person to participate in training to update their knowledge and
skills or to receive instruction in other sports.
3. Attendance
is mandatory at the following events:
A. Pre-season meeting.
B. Pre-season officials and coaches clinic.
C.
Pre-season
player clinic.
D.
Parents
meeting
E.
Opening/Closing
sport ceremonies.
4. Assists the Youth Sports Director and Sports Commissioner with the
organization of the workshop for coaches, team draft, and sports camp.
5.
Coordinates with the Youth Sport Director to set up a team practice
schedule.
6.
Coordinates with the Team Parent and develops a team snack schedule.
7. Responsible for all issued equipment.
J.
Team Parent Responsibilities: “Team Parents (Team Moms and Team Dads)”
are responsible for the overall coordination with team player parents during
the sport season. They will also assist the Youth Sports Director and Sport
Commissioner with notifying team player parents of game cancellations and
rescheduling. Coordinate picture and snack schedules completes team roster for
trophy order and the end of season team
party.
K.
Scorekeeper Responsibilities:. An orientation with the Sport Commissioner or Youth Sports Director
will be conducted. Appropriate scoring forms will be discussed and a procedure
for timely turn-in of forms will be determined. Rules for scoring will also be
discussed. It is incumbent that a close relationship is developed between the
scorekeeper and umpires/referees.