Welcome to the City of West Palm Beach Department of Parks and Recreation's Youth Sports Program. The philosophy of the City of West Palm Beach is to instill a positive attitude, sportsmanship, basic fundamentals, confidence, and high moral standards. Youth Sports Programs develop the physical, psychological, and social aspects of youth. Our programs emphasize participation, fun, sportsmanship, and downplays a competitive approach to sports. Participants, parents, and coaches are expected to support this philosophy.
The City of West Palm Beach Department of Parks and Recreation recognizes and accepts the opportunity that sports provides for developing character and leadership potential and in making a difference in our community and world. The Youth Sports Code of Ethics provides guidelines for personal and leadership development. The Code reflects the desire to live a responsible life as an individual, as a member of a team, and as a member of society.
All safety precautions will be observed to ensure the well being of all participants. The City of West Palm Beach Department of Parks and Recreation seeks to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and full participation.
National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA)
Become an NYSCA Certified Coach
The City of West Palm Beach Department of Parks and Recreation offers parents the chance to help with their child's team by becoming a certified coach. As a NYSCA certified member you receive liability insurance and a subscription to NYSCA monthly magazine, a $20.00 value that the City of West Palm Beach pays for. The Recreation Department is always in need of coaches. If you are interested in coaching a sport or know somebody who is, please contact the Recreation Department at 804-4900.
NYSCA National Standards for Youth Sports
Standard #1 Proper Sports Environment
Parents must consider and carefully choose the proper sports environment for their child, including the appropriate age and development for participation, the type of sport, the rules in the sport, the age of the participants, and the proper level of physical and emotional stress.
Standard #2 Programs based on well-being of child
Parents must select youth sports programs that are developed and organized to enhance the emotional, physical, social, and educational well being of children.
Standard #3 Drug and Alcohol-Free Environment
Parents must encourage a drug and alcohol-free environment for their children.
Standard #4 Part of Child's Life
Parents must recognize that youth sports are only a small part of a child's life.
Standard #5 Parents Active Role
Parents must make a serious effort to take an active role in the youth sports experience of their child by providing positive support as a spectator or coach.
Standard #6 Positive Role Models
Parents must be a positive role model exhibiting sportsmanlike behavior at games, practices, and home while giving positive reinforcement to their child and support to their child's coaches.
Standard #7 Parental Commitment
Parents must demonstrate their commitment to their child's youth sports experience by annually signing a parental code of ethics.
Standard #9 Equal Play Opportunity
Parents and coaches must provide equal sports play opportunity for all youth regardless of race, creed, sex, economic status or ability.
