YMCA Youth Sports:
Developing Values Stronger Than Winning!!
The Sports Program:
The YMCA is proud to offer a variety of youth sports. All of the sports offered are co-ed with the exception of girls volleyball. This page is designed to answer your questions about our youth sports program.
Youth Sports are offered in baseball, flag football, volleyball and basketball. Other sports are offered when enough interest is demonstrated and space is available.
Our Sports seasons are basically the same each year, but may change somewhat. The seasons are generally as follows:
Sport Season
Football August - October
Girls Volleyball August - October
Basketball November - January
Machine Pitch & T-Ball March - July
Forming Leagues & Teams
The number of teams for each sport depends on the number who sign up. Teams will then be formed according to age or grade level. Each team is coached by a volunteer.
New players and players not wanting to return to their old team will be placed into the "blind draft". The blind draft works like this: 1: Players returning to last year's team are placed on that team. 2: Players moving to an older division, players not requesting to return to their team and new players entering the draft are grouped by age / grade. 3: It is then determined how many players of each age / grade will be drafted on each team. 4: Entry forms are separated according to age/grade and placed face down. 5: Teams are then "formed" by allowing coaches to draw from each face down age / grade category according to how many players are needed from each category.
For example, there are sixty second graders in a ten team football league. Each team will have six second graders on its team. If Team A has three second graders returning from last year, then they would select three more players from the blind draft. By using this process, no one knows who is being selected for each team, thus the term "blind draft" is used.
Players can return to the team in which they played on last year by marking the appropriate box on th eentry form with a few exceptions. A player can not return to the same team if 1: the players is moving up to an older division or 2: the player is in the oldest age division of the sport.
Adjustments after the draft are not the normal practice of the YMCA. If you or your child has a conflict with a coach or team, please acknowledge the problem to the athletic director on the entry form BEFORE the blind draft process.
Each sport is governed by YMCA rules made up from YMCA guidelines, national high school federation rules and contributions from the athletic director. rules are provided to each coach and are also available to anyone who requests a copy. The following table indicates the sport and the age/grade we currently offer league play:
Sport Age/Grade
Flag Football 1st - 6th Grade
Girls Volleyball 4th - 6th Grade
Basketball Kindergarten - 6th Grade
Machine Pitch & T-Ball 4 yrs. old - 9 yrs. old
GAMES / PRACTICES / EQUIPMENT
YMCA rules require coaches to play all kids in every game. The general YMCA rule requires that kids play at least half the contest. The objective is to have fun, develop skills and learn good sportsmanship.
Games are coached by volunteers. These coaches are trained by the YMCA to promote the YMCA philosophy. to become a coach, fill out the appropriate area on the entry form. The YMCA provides all game and practice equipment, playing fields and officals for the games. The officials are trained and paid by the YMCA.
The YMCA does not schedule games on Wednesday or Sunday, and Friday games are avoided if possible. Game dates are dependant on the number of teams in each leauge and available space. We keep the best interest of the kids in mind when scheduling game times. Late games are set aside for older division.
Practice schedules are entirely the decision of the coaches. Coaches make the schedules which are then made availbable to you. Practice schedule conflicts must be worked out with the coach.
Equpiment may be checked out by coaches for practices. Generally, your child needs no special equipment to play YMCA youth sorts. If you prefer to purchase special equipment, you may do so, but the equipment must meet the YMCA rules and regulations. Check with your coach or the athletic director.
The YMCA is always looking for youth sports coaches. If you are interested in volunteering to coach a youth sports team, contact the YMCA or mark the appropriate box on the entry form.
Everybody is a STAR!!!
YMCA Youth Sports seek to bring out the best in every participant. The ideals are high. We value the approach that says everybody plays, regardless of ability.
No official standings are kept. The YMCA does not have all-star teams. Everybody is a star at the YMCA! If your child is involved in youth sports, he or she will find rewards through personal satisfaction, better physical fitness, and meeting new friends.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
To sign up for a youth sports program, simply pick up or print and entry form from the web page, fill it out and return it with the proper fee. Entry forms are available during the registration period for a particular sport. The last day to sign up will be on the entry form. Entries after this date are taken only if openings are available. Late entries also require a $10.00 late fee.
The fees you pay are used for things such as accident insurance, rental fees for basketball games, pay for lighting the flag football fields for night games, purchasing equipment and the T-shirt each child receives. Fees vary depending on the variables listed above as well as other factors. The fees are kept as low as possible, and YMCA members always pay lower fees than non-members.
Problems? Compliments! Suggestions? We want to Know!
If you have a porblem, we want to help you get it resolved. We will try to help in any way possible.
Compliments are welcome, too. If someone is doing a good job, tell him or her, or inform the athletic director who will pass it along.
We also welcome suggestions. Drop by, call us, or write us a note. We'll listen. If you don't tell us what is on your mind, we will never know.
PROGRAM GOALS
Paricipation
The YMCA values the approach that says everybody plays, regardless of ability. Every child will paly at least half of the game. We want everyone to participate
Character Development
The YMCA wants 'our' kids to learn self-respect, to respect the values of others, to adopt a healthy lifestyle and to develop a lifelong habit that emphasizes sports as an alternative to other activities. Our intent is to have an impact on the future.
Skill Development
The clear emphasis on personal growth doesn't mean that the Y isn't serious about teaching the skills that lead to good play on its courts and fields. It is through practice, persistence, and patience that children improve skills.
Volunteerism
The Youth Sports Program thirves due to the work of its volunteers. All of the youth sports teams are coached by volunteers. Volunteerism is the essence of the YMCA.
YMCA MISSION
TO PUT CHRISTIAN PRONCIPLES INTO PRACTICE THROUGH PROGRAMS THAT BUILD A HEALTHY BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT FOR ALL.
