Two new Sports Commission sanctioned youth programs are in the works for the Greater Phoenix area. The first is to set a standard of operation for all area youth sports events, leagues, and programs. The vision for these standards is to create a certification program that identifies a common level of operation that ensures the safety of our youth when participating in sporting activities.
The four main certification areas include:
- Background checks for coaches and volunteers
- Codes of conduct policies for all leagues, teams, players, fans, parents, and venues
- Insurance standards for leagues, venues, and volunteer boards
- Volunteer coach training
Certification will begin in Summer 2010, and is for all factions of youth sports, including venues, clubs, coaches, parents, volunteers, competitive and recreational leagues. In areas where sports programs do not offer or address each of the four certification areas, the Sports Commission will offer cost effective solutions for each area.
The second program is to create an on-line repository containing all best practice information as well as contact information for area sports programs, venues, and leagues, was created by 60 of the regions top youth sports leaders. The two new programs are to be fully functional by mid-2010.
After completion of the two above programs in 2010, the Sports Commission will embark on a group buying program for area sports teams and leagues. It is the hope of the Sports Commission that by negotiating with the large sporting goods and apparel manufacturers as a larger community, the pricing structures that are established will allow for significant savings to Phoenix area sports programs.
