Driven by the Aspen Institute’s Project Play, the Children's Bill of Rights in Sports is a call to action for athletes and leaders, from policymakers to program operators, to embed the rights of young people into the design and delivery of sport activities. By adopting these shared values, the youth sports industry can establish a new framework for sports that places young people and their needs at the heart of the system.
The Children's Bill of Rights in Sports identifies eight rights:
To play sports.
Organizations should make every effort to accommodate children’s interests to participate, and to help them play with peers from diverse backgrounds.
To safe and healthy environments.
Children have the right to play in settings free from all forms of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), hazing, violence, and neglect.
To qualified program leaders.
Children have the right to play under the care of coaches and other adults who pass background checks and are trained in key competencies.
To developmentally appropriate play.
Children have a right to play at a level commensurate with their physical, mental and emotional maturity, and their emerging athletic ability. They should be treated as young people first, athletes second.
To share in the planning and delivery of their activities.
Children have the right to share their viewpoints with coaches and for their insights to be incorporated into activities.
To an equal opportunity for personal growth.
Programs should invest equally in all child athletes, free of discrimination based on any personal or family characteristic.
To be treated with dignity.
Children have the right to participate in environments that promote the values of sportsmanship, of respect for opponents, officials, and the game.
To enjoy themselves.
Children have the right to participate in activities they consider fun, and which foster the development of friendships and social bonds.
We encourage leaders – from program operators to policymakers – to treat these rights as guardrails in the design of all sport activities involving youth. If your organization endorses these principles, let the Aspen Institute know so we can recognize your commitment!
