National Alliance for Youth Sports
Encyclopedia
The National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in West Palm Beach
, Florida
, U.S.A. NAYS provides a variety of programs and services for everyone involved in youth
sports, including professional and volunteer administrators, volunteer coaches, officials, parents and young athletes.
NAYS is committed to making sports safe and positive by providing programs and services that add value to these activities. NAYS believes this happens by:
and CEO of NAYS, founded the organization in 1981. He has been involved in youth sports for more than 35 years as a coach, athletic director
, sports educator and parent of seven children. In 1999, he wrote Why Johnny Hates Sports, a book that examines the state of youth sports in America and provides solutions to many of the problems plaguing organized programs.
Originally named the National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA), the organization initially focused on educating volunteer coaches on their wide range of responsibilities and the importance of meeting the needs of every child. NYSCA is a volunteer coaches training program that has been utilized by more than 2.5 million volunteer coaches worldwide. With the realization that volunteer coaches are only one aspect of the youth sports equation, NYSCA evolved into the National Alliance for Youth Sports in 1993.
Today, NAYS is the nation's leading youth sports educator and advocate with national programs that educate administrators, coaches, officials and parents about their roles and responsibilities in youth sports, in addition to offering youth development programs for children.
NAYS programs are provided at the local level through dynamic partnerships with more than 3,000 community-based organizations, which include parks and recreation departments, Boys and Girls Clubs, Police Athletic leagues, YMCA
/YWCA
s, Catholic Youth Organization
s and other independent youth service groups throughout the country. NAYS also has a strong presence on military installations worldwide.
The National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA) is a membership organization and the most widely used volunteer coach training program in the nation, having educated more than 2.5 million coaches since it’s inception in 1981. More than 3,000 community-based organizations offer this program. To become a member, coaches must (1) participate in an NYSCA interactive video training clinic, (2) successfully complete an exam and (3) sign a pledge committing to uphold the NYSCA Code of Ethics. Members not adhering to NYSCA Code of Ethics, as determined by the local chapter, may have their membership revoked.
NYSCA members receive excess liability insurance coverage, an annual subscription to SportingKid magazine, and a membership card. NYSCA members can obtain a higher level of education through the Gold Level Certified Coach Online Course. The web-designed course delivers an e-learning experience in eight topic areas and includes over 400 links to drills and skills in 21 different sports.
The Parents Association for Youth Sports (PAYS) is a membership organization for parents promoting positive youth sports. The program began in 1999 and since that time, over 100,000 families have become members. PAYS sets a standard for parent education by holding them accountable for themselves through the PAYS Parents’ Code of Ethics and by helping them become positively involved in the youth sports experience. The program also helps parents to better understand their roles and responsibilities in supporting league goals, the coaches and the children involved in youth sports.
To become a member, parents must (1) participate in a PAYS interactive video training clinic and (2) sign a pledge committing to uphold the PAYS Code of Ethics. The online program includes a video presentation, downloadable materials and membership card. PAYS members receive a parent handbook, an annual subscription to SportingKid Magazine, and a membership card.
event, the Traditions of Golf Challenge, which combines a team’s playing score with rules, etiquette and history knowledge.
The Global Gear Drive is one of the charitable programs under the National Alliance For Youth Sports whose mission is to place new and gently used sports equipment in the hands of children throughout the United States and around the world who wish to take part in sports activities but are unable to do so due to shortages of equipment and geared so all children are able to reap the many benefits associated with participating and being active. The Global Gear Drive identifies areas where children are most in need and then coordinates by collecting sports equipment that specifically fits those needs and ships it to their respective group or community – all at no cost to the recipients. Since its inception it has sent more than 400,000 pounds of equipment to children across the U.S., as well as Africa, India, Mexico and the Caribbean.
NAYS joins forces with Athletic Business magazine annually in December to host the Youth Sports Congress in conjunction with the Athletic Business Conference & Expo. NAYS attendees are given the opportunity to attend the Athletic Business Conference & Expo, combining for more than 4,500 individuals in the sports and fitness industries to come together.
Past Winners Include:
1999 – West Palm Beach, Florida
2000 – Derby, Kansas
2001 – New Braunfels, Texas
2002 – Cuernavaca, Mexico
2003 – Cuernavaca, Mexico
2004 – Prospect Heights, Illinois
2005 – Prospect Heights, Illinois
2006 – Cuernavaca, Mexico
2007 – Prospect Heights, Illinois
2008 – West Palm Beach, Florida
2009 – Bloomington, Indiana
Past Winners Include:
2000 - City of Greenacres, Hanscom Air Force Base, National Trial Parks & Recreation District, Patrick Air Force Base
2001 - Boys & Girls Club of Ellsworth Air Force Base, Falcon Trail Youth Center, Moody Air Force Base, City of North Miami Beach, City of Oregon
2002 - Eglin Air Force Base, Boys & Girls Club of Lackland Air Force Base, Orange County, South Suburban Parks & Recreation, YMCA at White Rock
2003 - Southeast YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, Pleasant Dale Park District, Peoria Community Services, Child & Youth Services Ft. Campbell, Kadena Youth Sports &Fitness
2004 - Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay, St. Andrews Parish parks & Playground, Town of Hamburg Recreation Department, Tyndall Air Force Base, Schweinfut Army Base
2005 - City of Greensboro Parks & Recreation, City of Westerville parks and Recreation Department, Gainesville Parks and Recreation, Mountain Home Air Force Base Youth Programs, Peterson Air Force Base Youth Center
2006 - Beale Air Force Base Youth Center, Indy parks and Recreation, City of Henderson Parks and Recreation, Hickam Air Force Base Youth Sports Program, Tinker Air Force Base Youth Center
2007 - Botetourt County parks and Recreation Department, Fort Knox Child and Youth Services Sports and Fitness, Commander Fleet Activities (CFA) Youth Sports, Misawa Youth Sports Program, St. Andrews Parish Parks and Playground Commission
2008 - City of Clearwater Parks and Recreation Department, City of Evans Parks and Recreation Department, Hickam Air Force Base Youth Sports Program, Tinker Air Force Base Youth Center, USAG Fort Belvoir Youth Sports
2009 - Andrews Air Force Base Youth Sports, Marine Corps Air ground Combat Center, Sasebo Youth Sports, Town of Huntersville Parks & Recreation Department, USAG West Point Youth Sports & Fitness
West Palm Beach, Florida
West Palm Beach, is a city located on the Atlantic coast in southeastern Florida and is the most populous city in and county seat of Palm Beach County, the third most populous county in Florida with a 2010 population of 1,320,134. The city is also the oldest incorporated municipality in South Florida...
, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, U.S.A. NAYS provides a variety of programs and services for everyone involved in youth
Youth
Youth is the time of life between childhood and adulthood . Definitions of the specific age range that constitutes youth vary. An individual's actual maturity may not correspond to their chronological age, as immature individuals could exist at all ages.-Usage:Around the world, the terms "youth",...
sports, including professional and volunteer administrators, volunteer coaches, officials, parents and young athletes.
Mission
NAYS seeks to make the sports experience safe, fun and healthy for ALL children. In addition, NAYS promotes the value and importance of sports and physical activities for the emotional, physical, social and mental development of youth. NAYS believes that participation in sports and activities develops important character traits and lifelong values. In addition, NAYS believes that the lives of youngsters can be positively impacted by their participation in sports and physical activities if the adults involved have proper training and information.NAYS is committed to making sports safe and positive by providing programs and services that add value to these activities. NAYS believes this happens by:
- Providing children with positive instruction and building basic motor skills
- Training administrators (both professional and volunteer), volunteer coaches and officials on their roles and responsibilities
- Having parents complete an orientation program to understand the important impact sports has on their child's development
- Using the National Standards For Youth Sports (2008 edition) as a guide for operating youth sports programs
- Helping organizations understand the importance of conducting their youth sports programs in accordance with the Recommendations for Communities
History
Fred Engh, the PresidentPresident
A president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
and CEO of NAYS, founded the organization in 1981. He has been involved in youth sports for more than 35 years as a coach, athletic director
Athletic director
An athletic director is an administrator at many American colleges and universities, as well as in larger high schools and middle schools, who oversees the work of coaches and related staff involved in intercollegiate or interscholastic athletic programs...
, sports educator and parent of seven children. In 1999, he wrote Why Johnny Hates Sports, a book that examines the state of youth sports in America and provides solutions to many of the problems plaguing organized programs.
Originally named the National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA), the organization initially focused on educating volunteer coaches on their wide range of responsibilities and the importance of meeting the needs of every child. NYSCA is a volunteer coaches training program that has been utilized by more than 2.5 million volunteer coaches worldwide. With the realization that volunteer coaches are only one aspect of the youth sports equation, NYSCA evolved into the National Alliance for Youth Sports in 1993.
Today, NAYS is the nation's leading youth sports educator and advocate with national programs that educate administrators, coaches, officials and parents about their roles and responsibilities in youth sports, in addition to offering youth development programs for children.
NAYS programs are provided at the local level through dynamic partnerships with more than 3,000 community-based organizations, which include parks and recreation departments, Boys and Girls Clubs, Police Athletic leagues, YMCA
YMCA
The Young Men's Christian Association is a worldwide organization of more than 45 million members from 125 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs...
/YWCA
YWCA
The YWCA USA is the United States branch of a women's membership movement that strives to create opportunities for women's growth, leadership and power in order to attain a common vision—to eliminate racism and empower women. The YWCA is a non-profit organization, the first of which was founded in...
s, Catholic Youth Organization
Catholic Youth Organization
A Catholic Youth Organization is an organization for young Catholics. Usually each group uses the church for meeting and gathering, although some have their own premises. It was initiated by Bishop Bernard J...
s and other independent youth service groups throughout the country. NAYS also has a strong presence on military installations worldwide.
Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1981 | - NYSCA founded. - Board of Directors Board of directors A board of directors is a body of elected or appointed members who jointly oversee the activities of a company or organization. Other names include board of governors, board of managers, board of regents, board of trustees, and board of visitors... formed. |
| 1982 | - Stokely-Van Camp, Inc., maker of Gatorade Gatorade Gatorade is a brand of sports-themed food and beverage products, built around its signature product: a line of sports drinks. Gatorade is currently manufactured by PepsiCo, distributed in over 80 countries... Thirst Quenchers, sponsors NYSCA. |
| 1985 | - DeKalb County, Georgia DeKalb County, Georgia DeKalb County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. The population of the county was 691,893 at the 2010 census. Its county seat is the city of Decatur. It is bordered to the west by Fulton County and contains roughly 10% of the city of Atlanta... becomes the first to mandate that its volunteer coaches complete the NYSCA certification program. |
| 1987 | - 46 experts representing different organizations gather to develop the first ever National Standards for Youth Sports. |
| 1990 | - Hook A Kid On Golf established with its first Introductory Clinic. United States Golf Association announces $90,000 matching grant program and Professional golfer Bob Murphy (golfer) Bob Murphy (golfer) Robert Joseph Murphy, Jr. is an American professional golfer who was formerly a member of the PGA Tour and currently plays on the Champions Tour. Murphy has won 21 tournaments as a professional.-Early years:... becomes the national spokesperson. |
| 1993 | - NYSCA evolves into the National Alliance for Youth Sports. |
| 1994 | - Start Smart Sports Development Program launched and first program held in Naples, Florida Naples, Florida Naples is a city in Collier County, Florida, United States. As of July 1, 2007, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city's population at 21,653. Naples is a principal city of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had an estimated total population of 315,839 on July 1, 2007... . |
| 1996 | - National Youth Sports Officials Association certifies 1,040 officials during its first year. - The Alliance website launches. - Bob King, director of the Bradley County Parks & Recreation department in Cleveland, Tennessee Cleveland, Tennessee Cleveland is a city in Bradley County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 41,285 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Bradley County... certifies NYSCA's one-millionth coach. King receives a special letter of recognition from President Bill Clinton Bill Clinton William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation... . |
| 1997 | - 228 recreation professionals from 44 states and 12 countries attend the first Academy for Youth Sports Administrators in Mobile, Alabama Mobile, Alabama Mobile is the third most populous city in the Southern US state of Alabama and is the county seat of Mobile County. It is located on the Mobile River and the central Gulf Coast of the United States. The population within the city limits was 195,111 during the 2010 census. It is the largest... . |
| 1998 | - Start Smart unveils sport-specific soccer and baseball programs to prepare children for a smooth transition into those sports. - The doors to Hook A Kid On Golf's first-ever state office open in Illinois, thanks to the passionate efforts of Jerry Rich. |
| 1999 | - More than 100 youngsters from 16 cities nationwide arrive in Peoria, Illinois Peoria, Illinois Peoria is the largest city on the Illinois River and the county seat of Peoria County, Illinois, in the United States. It is named after the Peoria tribe. As of the 2010 census, the city was the seventh-most populated in Illinois, with a population of 115,007, and is the third-most populated... for the first Hook A Kid On Golf Traditions of Golf Challenge. - Why Johnny Hates Sports, written by Alliance President Fred Engh, hits bookshelves nationwide. |
| 2000 | - The Jupiter-Tequesta Athletic Association becomes the first organization in the country to make the recently launched Parents Association for Youth Sports program mandatory. More than 2,000 parents file into Roger Dean Stadium Roger Dean Stadium Roger Dean Stadium is a baseball stadium located in the Abacoa community of the town of Jupiter, Florida. The stadium was built in 1998, holds 6,871 people, and features luxury sky-box seating, 2 levels of permanent seating, parking and concessions... for the first mandatory PAYS session, which is covered by the NBC Nightly News NBC Nightly News NBC Nightly News is the flagship daily evening television news program for NBC News and broadcasts. NBC Nightly News has aired from Studio 3B, located on floors 3 of the NBC Studios is the headquarters of the GE Building forms the centerpiece of 30th Rockefeller Center it is located in the center... , ABC World News Tonight, CBS Evening News CBS Evening News CBS Evening News is the flagship nightly television news program of the American television network CBS. The network has broadcast this program since 1948, and has used the CBS Evening News title since 1963.... , ESPN ESPN Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming.... , Sports Illustrated and CNN CNN Cable News Network is a U.S. cable news channel founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. Upon its launch, CNN was the first channel to provide 24-hour television news coverage, and the first all-news television channel in the United States... , among others. - The National Youth Sports Administrators Association program is launched for league presidents, board members and other volunteer administrators. - Athletic Business Magazine and NAYS introduce the Excellence in Youth Sports Award. |
| 2002 | - Recommendations for Communities, which were established from the National Summit on Raising Community Standards in Children's Sports, are released. - More than 300 delegates convene in San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States of America and the second-largest city within the state of Texas, with a population of 1.33 million. Located in the American Southwest and the south–central part of Texas, the city serves as the seat of Bexar County. In 2011,... , for the first-ever Youth Sports Congress. Award-winning writer Lester Munson of Sports Illustrated Sports Illustrated Sports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the... delivers the keynote address. |
| 2003 | - Parents have the opportunity to go through the Parents Association for Youth Sports program from the comfort of home thanks to unveiling of the on-line program. - The International Alliance for Youth Sports formed. - First International Summit held in Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in... . |
| 2004 | - After thousands of NYSCA clinics that have been held in big cities, small towns and on various continents, the 2 millionth coach is trained. - The Global Gear Drive initiative is created to distributing sporting goods equipment to children in developing countries. |
| 2005 | - High-ranking sports officials from more than a dozen countries throughout the Caribbean, as well as Mexico Mexico The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of... and Zambia Zambia Zambia , officially the Republic of Zambia, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. The neighbouring countries are the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Tanzania to the north-east, Malawi to the east, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia to the south, and Angola to the west.... , gather in Roseau, Dominica, for the first-ever Caribbean Conference on Children's Sports. - SportingKid magazine becomes the official member publication of NAYS. The full-color magazine delivered to volunteer coaches, parents, administrators and officials six times a year is packed with information to enhance the youth sports experience for everyone involved. - Game On! Youth Sports, a first-of-its-kind approach that creates opportunities for children to participate in healthy physical activities that otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to do so, is launched in Dominica Dominica Dominica , officially the Commonwealth of Dominica, is an island nation in the Lesser Antilles region of the Caribbean Sea, south-southeast of Guadeloupe and northwest of Martinique. Its size is and the highest point in the country is Morne Diablotins, which has an elevation of . The Commonwealth... . - Coaching Soccer for Dummies (the first in a series) is released in partnership with Wiley Publishing. - The Sammy Wilkinson Memorial Foundation is established to support NAYS' international efforts. |
| 2006 | - NYSCA Clinics are made available online for the first time. - Alliance celebrates its 25th Anniversary as the leading advocate for positive and safe sports for children. - Alliance releases background check guidelines to assist leagues based on findings from a special session on background screening held during the Youth Sports Congress in Denver. |
| 2007 | - The Youth Sports Congress is held in conjunction with the Athletic Business Conference in Orlando, FL. |
| 2008 | - The National Standards for Youth Sports are reviewed and updated by over 200 youth sports professionals in San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States of America and the second-largest city within the state of Texas, with a population of 1.33 million. Located in the American Southwest and the south–central part of Texas, the city serves as the seat of Bexar County. In 2011,... . - The first ever NAYS Youth Sports Study was conducted with the results featured in SportingKid magazine. |
| 2009 | - NYSCA members are given access to a personalized online page. - NYSCA unveils its Coach Ratings Tool. - The NAYS Chapter Management system is created allowing chapters instant access to training, background check and evaluation information on their members. |
| 2010 | - The Accountability Policies and Procedures for NYSCA members is released to track coach incidents through NAYS chapters. - The NYSCA Coach Training program is re-released that includes Pete Carroll Pete Carroll Peter Clay Carroll is the head coach and executive Vice-President of the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He is a former head coach of the New York Jets, New England Patriots and the University of Southern California Trojans football team.-Early life:Carroll attended Redwood High... , Mike Krzyzewski, Vivian Stringer, John Harbaugh and many others. |
Membership/Education
NAYS’ membership/education programs are designed to properly train and prepare adults for their roles and responsibilities in youth sports.National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA)
NYSCA members receive excess liability insurance coverage, an annual subscription to SportingKid magazine, and a membership card. NYSCA members can obtain a higher level of education through the Gold Level Certified Coach Online Course. The web-designed course delivers an e-learning experience in eight topic areas and includes over 400 links to drills and skills in 21 different sports.
Parents Association for Youth Sports (PAYS)
To become a member, parents must (1) participate in a PAYS interactive video training clinic and (2) sign a pledge committing to uphold the PAYS Code of Ethics. The online program includes a video presentation, downloadable materials and membership card. PAYS members receive a parent handbook, an annual subscription to SportingKid Magazine, and a membership card.
National Youth Sports Administrators Association (NYSAA)
The National Youth Sports Administrators Association (NYSAA) is a membership organization for volunteers responsible for the planning and implementation of out-of-school sports programs. The NYSAA works to assist volunteer administrators, league presidents and board members in their efforts to set high standards and provide a safe, positive experience for the youth they serve. To become a member, administrators must (1) participate in an NYSAA interactive video training clinic (2) successfully complete the exam and (3) sign a pledge committing to uphold the NYSAA Code of Ethics. NYSAA members receive an annual subscription to SportingKid magazine, excess liability, D&O insurance coverage, and a membership card.Academy for Youth Sports Administrators (AYSA)
The Academy for Youth Sports Administrators (AYSA) is a 20-hour certification program that is designed to raise the professionalism of those delivering youth sports services. The Academy, either on-site or online, is the only way to earn the coveted Certified Youth Sports Administrator’s credential (CYSA). During the Academy, faculty members cover such topics as youth sports philosophy, mission statements, policies and procedures, volunteer management, child abuse, parents, conflict management, insurance and risk management, and inclusion of children with disabilities. Currently, more than 1,600 CYSA’s have graduated from the Academy.National Youth Sports Officials Association (NYSOA)
The National Youth Sports Officials Association (NYSOA) is a membership organization for volunteer game officials to better understand their roles and responsibilities when officiating youth sports. To become a member, officials must (1) participate in an NYSOA interactive video training clinic (2) successfully complete the exam and (3) sign a pledge committing to uphold the NYSOA Code of Ethics. NYSOA members receive an annual subscription to SportingKid magazine, excess liability insurance coverage, and a membership card.Youth Development
NAYS’ youth development division consists of two innovative and dynamic youth sports programs – Start Smart Sports Development Programs and Hook A Kid On Golf.Start Smart Sports Development Programs
The Start Smart Sports Development Program brings parents and children (ages 3–5) together to work on pre-sports skills such as catching, kicking, throwing and batting in a fun, non-threatening environment. The six-lesson Start Smart curriculum teaches parents how to work with their children to develop motor skills that will give both parent and child a positive and successful start in sports.Sports Specific Skill Development Programs
Start Smart offers sport-specific programs in baseball, soccer, basketball, golf, football and tennis, as well as a general sports development program. These programs teach parents and their children (ages 3–5) basic motor skill development and sport-specific skills while preparing the child for organized sports participation. Start Smart sport-specific programs teach children the most basic concepts of each sport. Start Smart hopes parents who participate in the program are also more likely to volunteer to coach in the future since they develop a more clear understanding of how to best work with children in a sports environment.Hook A Kid On Golf
Hook A Kid On Golf is the largest junior golf program in the country and has benefited nearly 50,000 participants and has been in more than 500 communities in the United States. Established in 1990, the program focuses on providing communities with a junior golf program with three levels: the Tee Level Introductory Clinic, Green Level Training Program and Challenge Golf League. Hook A Kid On Golf also hosts a junior golfGolf
Golf is a precision club and ball sport, in which competing players use many types of clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a golf course using the fewest number of strokes....
event, the Traditions of Golf Challenge, which combines a team’s playing score with rules, etiquette and history knowledge.
Tee Level Clinic
The Tee Level Clinic is designed as a 15 hour introductory program, typically spread out over 5 days, for children ages 8–13 who have no previous introduction to the game. Tee Level Clinic participants receive an introduction to the game as well as the necessary items to begin playing golf, including a starter set of clubs, upon completion of the program.Green Level Training Program
The Green Level Training Program is for ages 8–15 and acts as a bridge between youngsters who have a basic introduction to the game and those who are ready for on-course play by providing practical training in the rules, etiquette and fundamentals of the game.Challenge Golf Leagues
Challenge Golf Leagues, also for ages 8–15, provide an opportunity for team-oriented, recreation league play in which fun, learning and sportsmanship are stressed. Local leagues are modeled after other successful youth sports programs, which mean that parents and volunteers are trained as coaches and administrators.Internation Alliance for Youth Sports
The International Alliance for Youth Sports (IAYS), the international division of NAYS, created the Game On! program to provide children throughout the world with the opportunity to gain the benefits of sports while addressing the issues that hinder youth sport participation—particularly in developing countries where there is a lack of training, programming, nonexistent facilities and poor equipment. IAYS, in addition to NAYS, believes that sports have great value in the physical, social, and moral development of children – and this is reflected through the Game On! Youth Sports program. Game On! has impacted the lives of more than 350,000 youth in developing countries around the world and is designed to provide countries with sports programming for children at the school, after-school, and community levels. Game On! Youth Sports programs are designed to give children the ability to develop sports skills while learning how to make healthy lifestyle decisions and avoid the negative behaviors that lead to the dangers of crime, violence, drug abuse, obesity and diseases such as HIV/AIDS.Global Gear Drive
The Sammy Wilkinson Memorial Foundation
Sammy Wilkinson Memorial Foundation was created by NAYS’ CEO in honor and memory of his grandson, Sammy, who died in an accident in 2003. The Sammy Fund is today the charitable fundraising arm for the Global Gear Drive helping to raise funds to help ship youth sports equipment to children throughout the U.S. and worldwide.Youth Sports Congress
The Youth Sports Congress is a three-day educational training discussing new topics in the field of youth sports and is a preferred venue for all professionals involved in youth sports. The Congress allows administrators to discuss issues that are pertinent to youth sports and interact with other administrators to obtain practical information regarding their youth sports community as well as giving them the opportunity to earn CEU credential.NAYS joins forces with Athletic Business magazine annually in December to host the Youth Sports Congress in conjunction with the Athletic Business Conference & Expo. NAYS attendees are given the opportunity to attend the Athletic Business Conference & Expo, combining for more than 4,500 individuals in the sports and fitness industries to come together.
Traditions of Golf
The Traditions of Golf Challenge is an annual event that combines playing scores with rules, etiquette and history knowledge. Communities that conduct any level of the Hook A Kid On Golf program are eligible to participate in the Traditions of Golf Challenge. Each team's score from their round is combined with their "Traditions of Golf" score to determine the overall champion of the two-day tournament. This will be the 12th year that teams from around the country, Canada and Mexico have come together to test not only their golf skills but their knowledge of the game.Past Winners Include:
1999 – West Palm Beach, Florida
2000 – Derby, Kansas
2001 – New Braunfels, Texas
2002 – Cuernavaca, Mexico
2003 – Cuernavaca, Mexico
2004 – Prospect Heights, Illinois
2005 – Prospect Heights, Illinois
2006 – Cuernavaca, Mexico
2007 – Prospect Heights, Illinois
2008 – West Palm Beach, Florida
2009 – Bloomington, Indiana
Excellence in Youth Sports Award
The Excellence in Youth Sports Award, presented in partnership with Athletic Business magazine, is a national award presented annually, at the Youth Sports Congress and Athletic Business Conference & Expo, to organizations and agencies that conduct multifaceted sports programs according to the highest NAYS standards. Five winners from these organizations are recognized each year. The organizations that apply include YMCA/YWCA, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Jewish Community Centers, Catholic Youth Organizations, Parks and Recreation, Independent Leagues/Organizations and Military Installations.Past Winners Include:
2000 - City of Greenacres, Hanscom Air Force Base, National Trial Parks & Recreation District, Patrick Air Force Base
2001 - Boys & Girls Club of Ellsworth Air Force Base, Falcon Trail Youth Center, Moody Air Force Base, City of North Miami Beach, City of Oregon
2002 - Eglin Air Force Base, Boys & Girls Club of Lackland Air Force Base, Orange County, South Suburban Parks & Recreation, YMCA at White Rock
2003 - Southeast YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, Pleasant Dale Park District, Peoria Community Services, Child & Youth Services Ft. Campbell, Kadena Youth Sports &Fitness
2004 - Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay, St. Andrews Parish parks & Playground, Town of Hamburg Recreation Department, Tyndall Air Force Base, Schweinfut Army Base
2005 - City of Greensboro Parks & Recreation, City of Westerville parks and Recreation Department, Gainesville Parks and Recreation, Mountain Home Air Force Base Youth Programs, Peterson Air Force Base Youth Center
2006 - Beale Air Force Base Youth Center, Indy parks and Recreation, City of Henderson Parks and Recreation, Hickam Air Force Base Youth Sports Program, Tinker Air Force Base Youth Center
2007 - Botetourt County parks and Recreation Department, Fort Knox Child and Youth Services Sports and Fitness, Commander Fleet Activities (CFA) Youth Sports, Misawa Youth Sports Program, St. Andrews Parish Parks and Playground Commission
2008 - City of Clearwater Parks and Recreation Department, City of Evans Parks and Recreation Department, Hickam Air Force Base Youth Sports Program, Tinker Air Force Base Youth Center, USAG Fort Belvoir Youth Sports
2009 - Andrews Air Force Base Youth Sports, Marine Corps Air ground Combat Center, Sasebo Youth Sports, Town of Huntersville Parks & Recreation Department, USAG West Point Youth Sports & Fitness