Everyone has some value to add, however recognizing this value can often be challenging as we become attached to our programs and develop connotations about other programs. As a field we are stronger together then we are apart therefore developing a holistic approach in sport and development programs means recognizing the values of others and the importance of working together. The concept for the Game On! initiative was created by a group of 40 professionals from 20 different countries and harnessed by the International Alliance for Youth Sports. It was not by chance that the Game On! program has been able to impact the lives of more then 350,000 children in developing countries around the world, it is through the power of committed partners who are willing to put aside political differences for the benefit of creating a program for children and communities. One of the challenges of working in alliances is agreeing on and creating standards. In 2009 the IAYS released the first edition of the International Standards for Youth Sports. These standards were developed to be used by every youth sports program, and the IAYS along with our partners have taken a leadership role to assimilate and share the best practices. These standards have been assessed by a large group of youth sports coordinators from around the globe and have been adapted from the US National Standards for Youth Sports compiled by the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS). These standards reflect the consensus of this group and address a variety of topics that currently affect the delivery of youth sports programming around the world. The purpose of these standards is to provide a framework by which youth sports programs are designed and executed. The International Standards for Youth Sports place in motion a policy for youth sports.

1. Developing International
Standards for Youth Sports
through the Collaboration of an
Alliance
Kate Cowan
June 10, 2010
Power of Sport Summit

2. Agenda
Who is the International
Alliance for Youth Sports
Partnership of the
Alliance
International Standards for
Youth Sports

3. Who is the

4. MISSION
To promote and facilitate the
values of sport for children
worldwide.

5. OBJECTIVES
To create opportunities for children to participate in
sports and physical activity in a Fun, Safe and Creative
environment.
To provide children with life skills through the experience
of sport.
To educate parents, coaches and administrators about
key skills, knowledge and values surrounding sport
opportunities for youth.

6. Youth Sports
Physical Education
Community
Programming
Administration Training
Coach Training
Training of Trainers

7. Partnership
“If we are
together nothing
is impossible. If
we are divided all
will fail.”
Winston Churchill

8. Youth Sports

9. Education System vs. Sports
System

10. What are the
INTERNATIONAL
YOUTH SPORTS
STANDARDS

11. Quality Sports
Environment

12. Programs
should be FUN
and Based on
the Well-Being
of Children

13. Training and
Accountability

14. Screening
Process

15. Screening
Process

16. Parents Commitment

17. Sportsmanship

18. Safe Playing Environment

19. Equal Play Opportunity

20. Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol-Free
Environment

21. Thank You!
Questions?
www.IAYS.org
Kate Cowan
KCowan@iays.org