Encouraging Inclusivity in Youth Sports

The most successful youth sports teams are not the ones who win the most games, but those where all participants feel welcome. When every team steps up with good sportsmanship and an openness to differences, entire leagues and conferences benefit.

Players, coaches, officials and parents all play a huge role in making sports inclusive. Here’s how.

No Trash Talking Allowed

Modeling good sportsmanship isn’t just about how you play, but what you say. Star athletes don’t berate officials, opponents or team members. They support all players regardless of the game’s outcome and consider the well-being of others before they speak.

Adults can also model this behavior so that others learn by example. Sports are meant to be fun, and that begins with a positive attitude.

Actions Are Just as Important as Words

Good sportsmanship means holding ourselves to high standards, not just in our words but in our actions. Acts of aggression should not go beyond what is normally tolerated in sports.

An inclusive youth sports environment means that it is free of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. It is important that we are all good role models to the youth in our care and on our teams.

Everyone Is Welcome

We all have different backgrounds, abilities, identities and experiences, and those are what make us unique. Fostering a culture of respect and appreciation for diversity through youth sports allows us all to work better together.

Someone’s race, religion, gender or disability status should not bar them from being involved in a youth sports organization. Learn more about MYAS’s anti-discrimination policy here.

Community Impact Fund

In addition to promoting tolerance and good sportsmanship, MYAS helps strengthen communities through our Community Impact Fund. By offering new opportunities and eliminating barriers to youth sports, we can make our state a more inclusive place.

The MYAS Community Impact Fund supports scholarship opportunities for individuals, teams and organizations in your community. Our guiding principle is to level the playing field for kids and their families.

Want to support an equitable future for young athletes? Make a contribution today.

You Are Welcome Here

By advocating good sportsmanship and eliminating barriers across the state, MYAS creates an environment where every child thrives. To learn more about our approach or to find inclusive leagues near you, contact us today.