Subject
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Proclamation Declaring October 6-11, 2025, as National Youth Sports Week and endorsing the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports
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Department
Recreation & Parks
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Mayor and Council read and approve the proclamation declaring October 6-11, 2025, as National Youth Sports Week in the City of Rockville and endorsing the Children’s Bill of Rights in Youth Sports, affirming the City’s commitment to safe, inclusive, and equitable sports experiences for all children.
Discussion
The Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports, developed by the Aspen Institute’s Project Play, identifies eight rights every child deserves in sports. Together, these rights provide a standard to ensure youth sports remain positive and inclusive.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. To enjoy themselves.
Children have the right to participate in activities they consider fun, and which foster the development of friendships and social bonds.
Declaring October 6-11, 2025, as National Youth Sports Week in Rockville underscores the City’s support for these principles. Endorsing the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports formalizes what has long been a priority for the Department of Recreation and Parks: youth sports are a vital part of child development, academic success, and community well-being. This endorsement also aligns with Healthy People 2030 and the National Youth Sports Strategy, which call on communities to expand access to safe and supportive sports opportunities.
To implement the Bill of Rights, the Department of Recreation and Parks will:
• Post the rights in youth sports facilities, the recreation guide, and on the City’s sports webpage.
• Include the rights in coach orientations, training, and seasonal certifications.
• Provide parent workshops and add acknowledgment language in the Rec1 registration system.
• Engage young athletes directly for program feedback using post-season surveys and focus groups.
• Establish accountability and recognition systems to address concerns and highlight best practices.
This effort also connects Rockville to a broader regional work. Montgomery County Recreation, in partnership with Rockville and other municipalities, will host a countywide recognition event on October 9, 2025, during National Youth Sports Week. The County will spotlight the Soccer4Change program, which emphasizes equity and access in youth sports. Rockville’s participation will demonstrate leadership within the youth sports realm and reinforce its commitment to meaningful opportunities for all youth.
By declaring October 6-11, 2025, as National Youth Sports Week and endorsing the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports, Rockville will strengthen trust with families, improve the quality of programs, and affirm its role as a champion of youth development, inclusion, and equity in recreation.
Mayor and Council History
This is the first time the City of Rockville has considered endorsing the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports. The proclamation also acknowledges National Youth Sports Week, October 6-11, 2025, aligning the City with national efforts to promote safe and inclusive sports opportunities for children.