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Asking the right
questions will give you the ability to properly evaluate the youth
program that your child is interested in joining.
It is important that you
ask each organization the same questions so that you can do an accurate
comparison of each program.
Some areas of concern
should be the structure of the organization, safety issues, quality of
coaches, and sport/activity developmental factors.
Key questions that a
parent should ask are as follows:
Personnel
Questions....
-
Is the program run by
volunteers or hired professionals?
-
Who are
the coaches/instructors?
-
Are
background checks done on coaches, referees, judges?
-
Who is the contact person
for the organization if you have a problem or question?
Organization
Questions....
-
Is the
organization strategy developmental, competitive or both?
-
How much
emphasis is placed on fun and participation?
-
How many
participants does the organization have?
-
How long has
the organization been in business?
-
Who
sponsors the organization?
-
Is the
organization non-profit?
-
Does the
organization have injury insurance?
Tournament
Questions....
-
Does the
organization participate in tournaments/competitions?
-
If yes, what
is the approximate travel time?
-
What are the
average tournament fees?
-
Will the team
have to pay for the coaches expenses?
Registration/Cost Questions....
-
How much
are registration fees?
-
Do
registration fees cover all costs or will there be hidden charges?
-
Do you
have to pay an additional cost for uniforms or are they provided?
-
What is the
payment policy?
-
How do you
register?
-
When do you
have to register?
-
What is the time commitment
at home and/or outside
the home?
-
Are there
separate divisions for different skill levels or are divisions based
strictly on age?
-
How long
is the season and when does it begin?
-
Are try outs
required?
-
Is a medical
exam necessary?
Fundraising
Questions....
-
Will you
be responsible for promoting a fundraiser?
-
If there
are fundraisers does the organization get the money or the child?
It
is not necessary to ask all of these questions it is simply a guideline
to help you. You may have others that you feel need to be addressed.
What's important is that you feel extremely comfortable with the
organization that you select. Always remember that it should be a
positive, fun experience for your child!
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