7.C. PRSR 04-10-2013 El REQUEST FOR ACTION
River
' To ITEM NUMBER
Parks and Recreation Commission 7.C.
AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY
Action Items April 10, 2013 Michael Hecker,Parks and Recreation
Director
ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED By
Youth Sports Resolution Cal Pormer, City Administrator
REVIEWED BY
ACTION REQUESTED
City staff recommends the Parks and Recitation Commission approve the resolution to inspire changes
in youth sports to make the experience safe,positive and fun.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Participation in sports programs is very valuable to the development of children. Aspects of teamwork,
dedication, discipline,physical fitness, self-esteem and fair play all contribute to the overall growth and
maturation of young people. Elk River Parks and Recreation takes the responsibility seriously and strives
to offer quality programs that aids in the development of the youth of Elk River.
We believe that working together with our local youth sports organizations,through training and
education we can raise the standards for youth sports, and we can retum the age-old notion that
children's participation in organization sports should be FUN! A community youth sports program is not
something we can trust to run well without our vigilant involvement- it requires aggressive action at all
levels. A resolution adopted by the Parks and Recitation Commission and then City Council clearly
states how youth sports should be operated in our community.
The attached resolution includes guiding principles aimed at enhancing the overall youth sports structure,
as well as reinforces our community's commitment to ensure that every program is held to the highest
standard and conducted in the appropriate manner. In order to ensure that this happens, every Elk River
youth sports organization and our own City programs must be required to meet the standards set forth in
the resolution and the field use allocation policy.
It is expected that this resolution will become a preamble to the Field Use Allocation Policy.
ATTACHMENT
• Youth Sports Resolution
10WfREll
Al AN\Departments\Pars and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2013\0410 13 PRC Packet\Item 7C Safe youth sports NATURE RFAdocx
RESOLUTION 2013 —XX
WHEREAS, total buy-in at all levels is necessary to change the culture in youth
sports. To ensure that the entire community operates consistently with regard to
children's sports, it is necessary for the City of Elk River to adopt a resolution; and
WHEREAS, The City of Elk River recognizes the need to inspire changes in youth
sports to make the experience safe, positive and fun for everyone involved; and
WHEREAS, We believe in the benefits and attraction of youth sports as a means to teach
the children of our community values and skills that will be of benefit to them throughout
life; and
WHEREAS, We believe in order to realize the true value of youth sports participation
and to provide a safe, positive and fun environment for youth and their families to
participate, we must raise the standards among the users of our community's youth sports
facilities; and
WHEREAS, The City of Elk River, Parks & Recreation Department, Field Use
Allocation Policy outlines a comprehensive community strategy, including a philosophy
and standards to assist us in meeting these objectives; and
WHEREAS,We believe that league organizers and administrators must be educated on
how to provide a safe, positive and fun youth sports environment before being granted
permits to use City of Elk River park facilities; and
WHEREAS, We believe volunteer coaches must receive orientation and education as to
their individual roles and responsibilities in our community's effort to raise the standards
of youth sports programs and that volunteer coaches become trained and held accountable
for their behaviors; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary and desirable to establish requirements and procedures for
youth sports organizations utilizing City of Elk River park facilities; and
WHEREAS, We believe young children must be given the opportunity to develop motor
skills and sports specific knowledge with their parents in a structured program before
they enter organized sports.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Elk River,
Minnesota in a meeting duly assembled and by the authority thereof, recognize and
encourage official implementation of this Resolution to improve the culture of youth
sports for all participants.
Passed this day of , 20
Mayor