Parents want to keep their kids healthy and active, but with today’s challenges and busy schedules, sometimes it may feel like it’s hard to know where to start and how to keep them safe.
We don’t want them to slip into unhealthy habits and lose social connections.
One way to help is by exploring a youth sports program that they enjoy. This will help them build confidence, learn new skills, make new friends, and stay healthy and active. So, they not only enjoy physical activity, but stay engaged mentally and improve their emotional well-being. Youth sports allow your child to be a part of a team environment where they learn the importance of cultivating healthy habits, make new friends, and develop valuable skills that will last a lifetime.
Scoring a goal, dribbling a ball, experiencing the support of teammates, and developing skills can help boost your child’s emotional and spiritual well-being.
Of course, sports this year are going to be a little different. Make sure as we all adjust to this new normal that you learn more about how sports organizations are making your health and safety their top priority.
At the YMCA, we adhere to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention guidelines to maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment. Examples of some of the Y’s youth sports safety measures include:
- All staff, participants, and coaches have a temperature check prior to games.
- Benches, bleachers, and equipment will be disinfected between each game.
- Adjusting game lengths to allow for 15 minutes between games to allow for cleaning and safe crowd transitions.
- Pre- and post-game team huddles will be conducted outdoors.
- Each participant will be limited to a predetermined amount of spectators, who will be asked to help practice physical distancing.
- Spectators are required to wear face masks while indoors and are highly encouraged to wear masks outdoors, unless they’re adhering to physical distancing guidelines as mandated by local city, county, and state orders.
At the Y, safety plays first!
Parents can rest assured that as the Y returns to play, your family’s health and well-being are of the utmost importance. We’re carefully cultivating a balance of physical safety precautions and helping children to experience the joys of team play again as our fall sports seasons resume.