"Let the Kids Play" Fact Sheet

What is Let the Kids Play?

Let the Kids Play provides a concise and easy-to-implement program to youth sports leagues that allows them to effectively manage the behavior of spectators-including parents-viewing youth sporting events. By supplying tools that foster a positive recreation environment free of negative spectator involvement, we encourage kids and other young folks to enjoy playing.

Why Let the Kids Play?

Kids love to play. Always have and always will. But some things have changed. While unstructured play has gone by the wayside for many families, competitive sports leagues have filled the vacuum. It's estimated that 41 million American kids play competitive youth sports, and the numbers are growing. Soccer alone saw an increase from 15 million in 1987 to 17.5 million in 2002, while Pop Warner Football has doubled in size in the last fifteen years. Throw in a couple million (2.2 to be exact) little leaguers standing at home plate annually, and you've got a HUGE parental involvement situation that can be hard to manage. What do we mean by a parental or spectator situation that can be hard to manage?

- Negative comments directed towards any player.

- Spectators instructing players on the field.

- Negative comments directed toward referee, umpire or other game officials.

According to a Sports Illustrated study, 3 out of 4 kids surveyed have seen an "out of control" parents at youth sports game."

What is the Let the Kids Play Philosophy?

The Let the Kids Play philosophy is a simple one that consists of four words: let the kids play. But, that's really just the tip of the iceberg. It's what's under these words that is so
meaningful--kids that play have fun, make friends, develop skills, build self-esteem, learn teamwork and how to deal with adversity.

What are the consequences of an out of control parent or spectator?

An out of control parent means disruption of the game on many levels. It not only ruins the fun for the kids and induces anxiety instead of self-esteem, but is also a colossal headache
for--and an insult to--the coach who has committed to training the team, and annoys the silent majority of spectators who behave themselves.

What can be done about disruptive spectator behavior?

- Often nothing is done to manage disruptive sideline behavior, people can leave games frustrated and annoyed contemplating the value of having there kids participate.

- Confronting a disruptive spectator is a difficult option, often the conversation is between two adults that are caught up in the moment which is a combustible situation.

- Forfeit games or ban disruptive spectators both of which are difficult situations for volunteer board members to manage.

What does Let the Kids Play offer as an alternative?

The "Let the Kids Play" program is an easy to implement and turnkey method that effectively assists coaches and administrators in managing the behavior of spectators. It subtly reminds parents and others to keep their negative impulses in check. The program targets the elimination of three prevalent negative behaviors are:

- Negative comments directed towards any player.
- Spectators instructing players on the field.
- Negative comments directed toward referee, umpire or other game officials.

Once "Let the Kids Play" is adopted by a league's governing board, the spectator agreement and supporting on-field signage in the form of coaches T-shirts, sweat shirts, banners and hats are used to constantly remind those viewing games of the the rules.

Step 1 - Spectators sign "Let the Kids Play" agreement that establishes guidelines during league registrations or other events.

Step 2 - Leagues purchase relevant "Let the Kids Play" field signage, banners, stickers and tee shirts.

Step 3 - Leagues distribute "Let the Kids Play" tee shirts to coaches, administrators and in some cases select parents and spectators in order to reinforce the concept and use the silent majority of well-behaved parents and spectators to build an atmosphere of positive parental peer pressure.

Step 4 - Leagues have coaches wear the "Let the Kids Play" T-shirts and or place other "Let the Kids Play" field signage in prominent positions to remind spectators throughout the season of the spectator guidelines established by the "Let the Kids Play" program.

The "Let the Kids Play" logo communicates the central principle of the program, which to back off and let the kids play their game. The logo is a constant yet subtle reminder to all.

How do I go about purchasing the program?

Sports leagues can purchase all signage including banners, tee shirts, sweats, sports shirts, hats, water bottles and more by signing up with "Let the Kids Play" and ordering directly through us. Our already established vendor contacts, high-resolution logos and specs-plus expertise and experience-allow this to proceed in a very smooth manner with little administrative effort on the part of the league or recreation administrator. Or, a Let the Kids Play license may be purchased that allows the sports organization the right to reproduce the logo for one year in order to purchase apparel and other collateral from local vendors. This requires more administrative support and logistical planning for the organization, but some may prefer this method. The licensing agreement lasts one year. High-resolution logos, specs, as well as web-ready logos will be supplied.

To see the catalog or order apparel, CLICK HERE.