Maple Grove Studies Increasing City Control Over Youth Sports

The city of Maple Grove is studying studying several recommendations that would grant the Parks and Recreation Department more control over the city's youth sports associations. Recommended changes include more city control over code-of-conduct policies for players, parents and coaches, as well as city control over criminal background checks for coaches and board members in each association.

KSTP reported that the Maple Grove City Council asked its Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) to study youth sports and the role the city plays in assisting those programs. The Maple Grove City Council is expected to take up the recommendations at its Nov. 21 meeting.

Read a sampling of the recommendations below:

RECOMMENDATION 1:Youth sports associations should have a code of conduct that focuses on ensuring a positive learning and competitive environment. It is strongly recommended that every player, parent, coach, and board member sign the code of conduct and that it is kept on record each season.

RECOMMENDATION 2:Youth sports associations should have a code of conduct policy where code of conduct violations are explained in the beginning of the season and enforced. Players, coaches, and parents should feel as though there is a process to resolve code of conduct violations and that they are taken seriously and handled fairly without favoritism.

RECOMMENDATION 3:Youth sports associations should partner with the Positive Coaching Alliance, or similar organizations, or adopt a similar model within the association, so parents and players are well educated and informed as to the importance of sportsmanship and proper decorum during the season

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