Parent Association for Youth Sports Program

The City of San Luis Obispo Parks & Recreation Department endorses the PAYS (Parent Association for Youth Sports) program. Developed by the National Alliance for Youth Sports, the PAYS program is designed to educate parents on the problems that plague numerous youth sports programs nationwide. The program outlines appropriate behavior by parents so they can better understand their roles and responsibilities in the youth sports environment. This program is MANDATORY for all parents of children participating in the Parks & Recreation/SLO YMCA youth basketball program.

During the most volatile time in the history of organized youth sports, incidents involving out-of-control parents continues to escalate nationwide. In 2001, a youth football game in Pennsylvania turned into an ugly free-for-all involving more than 50 players and spectators. In Florida, a parent was arrested for swinging a bat at a coach. More than 100 parents and players brawled at an all-star youth football game in California, and in Georgia, a fight between parents and coaches interrupted a baseball game between 4 and 5 year olds.

More than 50 communities nationwide have implemented the PAYS program. The City of San Luis Obispo Parks & Recreation Department would like to take a proactive approach to ensure that verbal abuse and violent behavior will not be a part of its youth sports programs. Our staff often hears the statement that "we don't have these problems in San Luis Obispo." Through educating parents on positive support, care and encouragement while a child participates in youth sports activities, problems can be avoided and children participate in a healthier atmosphere that advocates fun, enjoyment, social interaction, good sportsmanship, and perhaps develop a lifelong passion for the sport.

To successfully complete the PAYS program, parents will view a 19 minute video presentation and discussion then are required to sign the Parent's Code of Ethics pledge. Completion of the PAYS program brings some additional benefits such as a quarterly publication featuring a wide range of articles and stories that can help to make their child's sports experience a fun and rewarding one.