An Inside Look at Your First Day with i9 Sports®
For parents that haven’t been involved in youth sports in a few years, or maybe even since they were a youth athlete, things may look or feel slightly different. Here is what you can expect on your first day with i9 Sports®.
What Do I Need to Bring on the First Day?
This is the biggest question we receive after parents sign up for our youth sports programs. Here’s a list of frequently asked questions and answers in regards to what you need on the first day:
When Do I Get a Jersey?
Jerseys are included in your registration. You will receive your jersey on the first day of your program. If for any reason your local team has additional jersey pick-up options, the pick-up date and location will be shared in a timely manner.
The best part is that our jerseys are also reversible, so you only have one. You won’t have to remember which jersey needs to be clean for home or away games- just flip it over!
What About Matching Shorts/Socks?
We do not require matching apparel, however we do offer matching shorts and socks on our online store for additional purchase. Some players prefer to wear the full uniform, but regular athletic shorts and socks are also acceptable. We just ask that if you are playing flag football, you do not wear shorts with pockets for safety reasons or red shorts as the red flags will blend in and give an advantage to that player.
Do We Need Cleats?
Cleats are not required, however if you have access to a pair of cleats for sports like flag football, soccer, baseball/t-ball, or lacrosse you may choose to wear them as long as they are not metal. Regular sneakers are appropriate for any of our programs, but cleats can assist with footing in those specified outdoor sports.
Safety Gear Requirements
- Flag football- players are required to purchase and wear mouth guards in order to participate in games.
- Soccer– players are required to purchase and wear shin guards in order to participate.
- T-ball or baseball– you will not be required to purchase a helmet, but you will be required to wear one that is provided on game day.
What to Expect on the First Day
Arrival
When you arrive on Opening Day, you can expect field signs to point you in the right direction, and our iconic bright red i9 Sports® tent with staff members to help guide you.
Once you find your way to your correct location, your kids will be greeted by their coach. They will receive their jersey and gather around for their first practice. After about 30-45 minutes of practice, they will then start their first game.
Game Play
Game rules for each sport will vary slightly depending on age group. This is to give younger players a chance to learn sport-specific skills at an appropriate pace while they are still learning the rules of the game. For example, you may see a lot of 5-year olds playing basketball and not dribbling. They will be reminded to dribble, but they will not be penalized for this as they are still learning that sport-specific skill along with hand-eye coordination. This is part of how we incorporate age-appropriate instruction to allow kids to have fun while still learning the basic rules of the game.
Camps and clinics are managed slightly different than a full league. If you are signed up for a camp or clinic, you can check the “Important Program Details” for your program to learn more about how they are operated. Your local program office will also send more program details for camps and clinics once you are registered.
Sportsmanship Awards
Once the game is over, you will notice the teams huddle up once again. Parents are welcome to be involved in this part as this is what makes i9 Sports® unique. This is when we hand out sportsmanship awards. At the beginning of practice, coaches go over a sportsmanship value of the week such as teamwork, leadership, positivity, or one of our other nine values. At the end of the game, an award is given to a player who exhibited the sportsmanship value of the day. These awards are given out at every level and every age group. For younger kids, it helps teach sportsmanship and motivates them to keep playing sports. For older age groups, it helps remind them that sportsmanship is important on and off the field.
If it’s your first time signing up for youth sports, there is no need to stress. Your kids don’t have to be professionals on day one, they’re there to learn and have fun. As a parent, it’s about enjoying time with your kids while they learn new skills, explore new hobbies, and make new friends. They might even find their passion while they’re out there!
Sign up for i9 Sports® Today
We offer multiple youth sports programs for kids ages 3-14. We offer a low-stress environment for kids of all skill levels to join youth sports and stay active. Our programs aim to foster a lifelong love of sports and active lifestyles by focusing on sportsmanship and age-appropriate instruction to ensure that kids have fun. Explore our sports and sign up today!
