YMCA of Greater Houston

YMCA 7 Pillars of Youth Sports


1: Everyone Plays

We do not hold tryouts; nor do we cut kids from our teams. Everyone who registers

is assigned to a team. During the season everyone receives equal practice time and

plays at least half of every game.

2: Safety First

Although some children may get hurt playing sports, we do all we can to prevent

injuries. We’ve modified each sport to make it safer. We ask you to take time to

check that the equipment and facilities are safe and only teach the sport as

instructed by your coach, so that the skills taught are appropriate for each child’s

developmental level. Players should increase their fitness levels gradually so they

are conditioned for the sport. We rely on parents to supervise their players and stop

any unsafe activities.

3: Fair Play

Fair play is about more than playing by the rules. It’s about other players showing

respect for everyone involved in youth sports. It’s about being a role model of good

sportsmanship and guiding your players to do the same. We’re more interested in

developing children’s character through sports than in developing a few highly

skilled players.

4: Positive Competition

We believe competition is positive when the pursuit of victory is kept in the right

perspective. Winning isn’t everything. Learning to compete is important for

children, and learning to cooperate in a competitive world is an essential life skill.

The “right perspective” means adults make decisions that put the best interests of

the children above winning the game. These are the lessons we want to teach

through youth sports.

5: Family Involvement

We encourage parents to be involved appropriately along with their child. In

addition to parents being helpful as volunteer coaches, officials, and timekeepers,

we encourage them to be at practices and games to support their child’s

participation.

6: Sports for All

We strive to make this is an inclusive sports program. That means that children

with different abilities and skill levels are included in participation. We ask our adult

leaders to support and appreciate the diversity of children in our society and to

encourage the children and other parents to do the same. We do not forfeit games;

instead, we share players and proceed with planned games.

7: Sports for Fun

Sports are naturally fun for most children. They love the challenge of mastering the

skills of the game, playing with their friends, and competing with their peers. As

parents, we all have a role to play in keeping the focus on having fun and providing

a positive, supportive environment. The important thing is that everyone enjoys

playing.

Open Registrations