Welcome to the AB Forum

I want to get more parents involved in our youth sports programs — not just as volunteer coaches, but as officials and league organizers, too. How do I tap into the talent that’s out there without sounding desperate?

The answer begins with having a certified youth sports administrator in your department. Without this administrator, who is trained in all aspects of youth sports, it would be like a high school having a full athletic program without an athletic director. The significant problems we face today with parents who play the roles of league organizers, officials, coaches, etc. is the result of simply giving permits to them without providing proper guidelines. A certified youth sports administrator can provide great relief to any recreation department that has facilities.

Offer free officials’ clinics.

Many leagues simply require that a set number of parents per team volunteer to officiate or do other game-day functions. This takes care of the begging.

Your interest in involving parents and saving staff cost is very common. It is surprisingly easy to convince parents to help with their children’s activities, if you "spin" your request the right way. I suggest an open invitation to parents to get more involved with their children by helping provide a healthy learning experience through youth sports. They can give their children a positive sports experience by volunteering as a coach, official, support staff or league director. Promoting the benefits for their children, as well as for parents, can attract some excellent volunteers.

There is nothing wrong with being desperate. Sometimes, it is a fact of life. We have done several things that have been fairly successful. On the registration form, we have a check-box that asks for parent involvement. This way, you know exactly who is interested and who is not. A program discount for parents who help out can help a little bit, as well. The old-fashioned flyer/e-mail/phone call does seem a little desperate at times, but it can be the difference between a successful program and cutting numbers.

I'd have a meeting and appeal to their responsibility to the community.