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National Standards for Youth Sports
| What is the National Standards for Youth Sports? |
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The National Standards for Youth Sports (NSYS) outlines three (3) principles and nine (9) standards that will uphold Singapore's commitment to its youth in sports. These principles and standards stem from an underlying philosophy that no child should be left behind or left out in sports, and that every youth be given the opportunity to enjoy sports and grow through his or her participation in sports.
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| Why the Need for Standards? |
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The education of a nation's youth is its preparation for its future. Equipping the youth of today with the right attitudes, skills and knowledge sets the foundation for the adults of tomorrow. As a nation, Singapore has long understood the importance of this foundation and has invested heavily in the education of our youth so that we will always be prepared for the future.
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Research has shown that participation in sports is associated with health and well-being, and the development of life skills such as problem-solving, communication, decision-making, leadership, perseverance and time-management. Further, positive experiences in sports during one's youth have also been associated with lifelong sports participation in one's later years. Such values and practices are critical in preparing our youth for the future.
Unfortunately, there have also been occasions in sports where less-than-desirable behaviours have been displayed. Some of these have taken place in the youth sports scene, including the use of physical activity as punishment, name-calling, teasing, inappropriate physical contact and an unhealthy 'win-at-all-costs' approach to competition. Such behaviours are contrary to the values of sports and the upbringing of our youth.
Given the above circumstances, there is a need to establish a set of standards in youth sports to ensure that our youth reap the full benefits of sports participation, maximise their potential, and grow with the values that will see them well into their adult years. The principles and standards set out in this document have been specially crafted to ensure that youth sports in Singapore is organised, planned and delivered in a healthy, wholesome and positive environment for our youth, while issues such as violence, abuse or other unsporting behaviour are kept at bay.
The National Standards for Youth Sports was developed in accordance with the codes and practices articulated in the United Nation's Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Singapore acceded to on 2 October 1995, and the desired outcomes of education as outlined by the Ministry of Education.
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| Whom is the National Standards for Youth Sports meant for? |
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This document is meant for all youth 18 years and under and all adults and organisations who work or have contact with these youths in sports. These stakeholders - coaches, parents, sports teachers, youth sports event organisers, sports officials and managers, members of the media and photographers, spectators and even other older athletes - should all be aware of the principles and standards set out in the National Standards for Youth Sports.
Sports organisations such as the National Sports Associations and clubs, in particular, should establish clear guidelines and policies that uphold these principles and standards. Leaders of sports organisations should drive the establishment of such youth-centric policies, and appoint individuals or sub-committees to ensure compliance within their sport.
The Singapore Sports Council is embarking on a process to communicate the intent and content of the National Standards for Youth Sports to all of Singapore.
With clear guidelines and policies within each sport organisation, we can better drive the behaviour that one would expect from all stakeholders in youth sports.
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