Closter PAYS Program: In the
fall of 2000, Closter Recreation adopted the PAYS
(Parents Association for Youth Sports) initiative;
guidelines set up by the National Alliance for Youth
Sports, to improve our Recreation Programs and help
the Closter parents and coaches recognize that youth
sports are for the kids, and that they should always
be a positive and fun experience. The goal of the
Closter Recreation Commission is to have EVERY parent
of ALL children participating in Closter Recreation
sponsored sports, attend one 35 minute PAYS session
which includes the viewing of the "Youth Sport Parent
Video," given periodically throughout the year. The
mandatory nature of the program leads to its success.
No one parent can ever be singled out, as all parents
and coaches must participate in the instructional
program. Any parent who does not attend a PAYS
sessions when required, will have their child's
registration fee refunded and their children will be
unable to participate in Closter Recreation sports
programs. Since 2000, the success of the PAYS program
in Closter has been overwhelming and all parents and
coaches should be applauded for their respect,
behavior and sportsmanship exhibited while their sons
and daughters have been involved in Closter Recreation
sports programs.
Program Overview: PAYS is a membership organization for parents involved in out-of-school youth sports. The program educates and motivates youth league parents to make their child’s sports experience safe and meaningful. PAYS encourages good sportsmanship, positive reinforcement and keeping youth sports in its proper perspective. The PAYS approach centers on a combination of education, motivation and positive reinforcement.
Why PAYS?: Stops negative parent behaviors before they happen Educates parents on their roles and responsibilities Enhances parent/league relationships Holds parents who are PAYS members accountable for their actions to a Parents' Code of Ethics Uses innovative materials and resources to promote positive youth sports
How It Works: Parents who are interested in becoming PAYS members must attend a thirty minute clinic. The league, your child’s coach, or team moms and dads can conduct PAYS clinics. At the clinic, parents view a training video, participate in discussion with other parents, and sign the Parents’ Code of Ethics pledge.
Parents' Code of Ethics Pledge: I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child participating in youth sports by following this Parents’ Code of Ethics: I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game, practice or other youth sports event. I will place the emotional and physical well being of my child ahead of my personal desire to win. I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment. I will require that my child’s coach be trained in the responsibilities of being a youth sports coach and that the coach upholds the Coaches’ Code of Ethics. I will support coaches and officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco and alcohol and will refrain from their use at all youth sports events. I will remember that the game is for youth - not adults. I will do my very best to make youth sports fun for my child. I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability. I will help my child enjoy the youth sports experience by doing whatever I can, such as being a respectful fan, assisting with coaching, or providing transportation. I will read the National Standards For Youth Sports and do what I can to help all youth sports organizations implement and enforce them.
For more information regarding NAYS or PAYS, click here.