The i9 Sports® Parental Pledge

You are the Most Important Voice in the Game.

The i9 Sports Parental Pledge is an important part of the sports experience for our kids and their families.

Team sports are one of the best ways to help children develop physically and emotionally. Youth sports help kids develop life skills, promote a healthy lifestyle, and increase self-esteem. Unfortunately, as many as 50% of youth will quit organized sports by age 12 because of too much pressure and competition.

A survey* among youth athletes revealed that 84% say at one time they quit a team or wanted to quit. When asked why:

  • 47% said because “it wasn’t any fun”
  • 29% said some teammates were mean
  • 23% said there were too many practices that interfered with other activities

Also, 31% wished adults weren’t watching their games – they said mostly because adults yell too much, are too distracting, make players nervous and put pressure on them to play better and win.

That’s why we ask you, as a someone with a strong influence on our young players’ experience, to take the i9 Sports Parental Pledge and help us make sure that everyone has a fun, enjoyable i9 Sports® Experience!

* Source: 2012 i9 Sports Association, national survey of children, ages 8-14, who play team sports.

Parental Pledge

"I, the parent or guardian of an i9 Sports team player, agree that the most important outcome of any game is for my child to have fun. My child needs my approval and support, regardless of what happens in the game. I will refrain from the use of negative or derogatory language aimed at the Officials, the Coaches, my child, or other players. I will encourage my child and all others in the game and will let the coach be the coach. I will do my best to model the sportsmanship-like behavior I wish my child to adopt, and to support the coach in making this the best possible experience for my child."

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