Department Resources

Make the Commitment

Join NCS in supporting the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports.

NCS invites local youth sports organizations and partners to join NCS and make the commitment to the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports. Tell us how these principles are reflected in the experiences your organization provides for children and families.

Putting the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports into action does not require creating new programs or policies. Many organizations may already have practices that support these rights. The goal is to build on those efforts and make the commitment intentional, visible and part of your organization’s culture. While the approach may look different for each organization, the suggestions and resources below offer practical ways to demonstrate your commitment and meaningfully uphold each of the eight rights.

Share the commitment on your website. Add the eight rights to your organization’s website or create a page explaining your commitment to providing positive, safe and developmentally appropriate youth sports experiences.
Communicate with families. Feature the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports in newsletters, welcome emails, parent handbooks, preseason communications or other family resources.
Include the rights during registration. Add the eight rights or a statement of commitment to registration forms, participant agreements or other enrollment materials so families understand the standards that guide your program.
Educate coaches, staff and volunteers. Incorporate the rights into orientation, preseason meetings and ongoing training. Ask coaches and program leaders to consider how each right should show up in practices, games and interactions with athletes and families.
Introduce the rights to athletes. Make sure young people understand the type of experience they should expect from your program. Discuss the rights at team meetings, post them at facilities or provide age-appropriate materials for participants.
Give young people a voice. Ask athletes about their experiences through conversations, surveys, youth advisory groups or other feedback opportunities, and use what you learn to improve programming.
Review policies and practices. Use the eight rights as a lens when reviewing policies related to safety, conduct, playing opportunities, coach qualifications, athlete development, accessibility and inclusion.
Display your commitment. Post the eight rights at practices, games and facilities where athletes and families can see them.

If your organization has committed to the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports, consider sharing the information below on your website to demonstrate your commitment.

Developed by the Aspen Institute through its Project Play initiative, the framework identifies eight fundamental rights that organizations can use to examine their programs, policies and practices and consider how they are creating positive experiences for every young athlete:

To play sports. Organizations should make every effort to accommodate children’s interests to participate, and to help them play with peers from diverse backgrounds.
To safe and healthy environments. Children have the right to play in settings free from all forms of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), hazing, violence, and neglect.
To qualified program leaders. Children have the right to play under the care of coaches and other adults who pass background checks and are trained in key competencies.
To developmentally appropriate play. Children have a right to play at a level commensurate with their physical, mental and emotional maturity, and their emerging athletic ability. They should be treated as young people first, athletes second.
To share in the planning and delivery of their activities. Children have the right to share their viewpoints with coaches and for their insights to be incorporated into activities.
To an equal opportunity for personal growth. Programs should invest equally in all child athletes, free of discrimination based on any personal or family characteristic.
To be treated with dignity. Children have the right to participate in environments that promote the values of sportsmanship, of respect for opponents, officials, and the game.
To enjoy themselves. Children have the right to participate in activities they consider fun, and which foster the development of friendships and social bonds.

Learn more about Fairfax County’s commitment to this initiative.

If your organization has committed to the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports, consider sharing the below on your social media to demonstrate your commitment.

Option 1: [Organization Name] is proud to join @FairfaxNCS in committing to the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports. We’re working together because every child deserves access to a great sports experience. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/athletics/childrens-rights-in-sports
Option 2: Every child deserves the opportunity to participate in sports in an environment that is safe, supportive, inclusive and focused on their development and well-being. That’s why [Organization Name] is proud to join @FairfaxNCS in committing to the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/athletics/childrens-rights-in-sports

If your organization has committed to the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports, consider sharing the statement and/or image below on your website to demonstrate your commitment.

[Organization Name] is committed to upholding the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports and ensuring our programs, policies and practices support safe, positive and inclusive experiences for every young athlete. Learn more at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/athletics/childrens-rights-in-sports.

Explore the below resources to help your organization commit to the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports:

Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports – Learn more about the eight rights and the framework developed by Project Play.
One-Page Summary of the Eight Rights – Download or link to this document resource to share with coaches, staff, athletes and families.
Editable Template of the Eight Rights – Click in the text boxes provided to describe how your organization is honoring the rights. Then, save and share with your organization’s stakeholders, parents and athletes.
Project Play Program Resources – Find additional examples, videos and resources for implementing the framework.
Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports FAQ – Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Children’s Bill of Rights
Children's Rights and Sports Glossary - Explore key terms and concepts to help organizations better understand and apply the principles of the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports.

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Make the Commitment

Join NCS in supporting the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports.

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Athletic Services & Community Use Scheduling

Alert:

Department Resources

Make the Commitment

Join NCS in supporting the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports.

Suggestions for implementation

Sample Language for Websites

Sample Language for Social Media

Sample Language for Registration/Participation Forms

Additional Resources

Ready to Make the Commitment?

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