The Right of Child Athletes

When children enter a sport program, they automatically assume responsibilities. But they also have rights. Adults need to respect these rights if young athletes are to have a safe and rewarding sport experience. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education’s Youth Sports Task Force has developed a “Bill of Rights for Young Athletes”. The rights identified by these medical experts, sport scientists, and national youth sport administrators are presented in the accompanying box.

Bill of Rights
for Young Athletes

1. Right to participate in sports.

2. Right to participate at a level commensurate with each child’s maturity
and ability.

3. Right to have qualified adult leadership.

4. Right to play as a child and not as an adult.

5. Right to share in the leadership and decision-making of sport participation.

6. Right to participate in safe and healthy environment.

7. Right to proper preparation for participation in sports.

8. Right to an equal opportunity to strive for success.

9. Right to be treated with dignity.

10. Right to have fun in sports.