Safety
Concussions: what every P.L.A.Y. parent should know
Recognizing symptoms, the return-to-play protocol every coach follows, and when to keep an athlete off the field.
Library
News & Resources
Short reads for the people who make youth sports work — parents, coaches and volunteers.
Safety
Safety
Weather safety and the lightning rule
How P.L.A.Y. follows MSHSL guidance for lightning, heat, cold and air quality, and how cancellations are communicated.
Safety
Hydration for young athletes
Simple before, during and after guidance so kids stay safe on hot summer fields.
Safety
Emergency! What coaches and parents do first
Emergency action steps, incident reporting and who to contact at the field.
Safety
Dr. James Andrews targets youth sports injuries
Overuse injuries, early specialization, and why rest matters as much as reps.
Parents
Parents
What makes a nightmare sports parent — and what makes a great one
The six words kids most want to hear from the car ride home, drawn from decades of youth sports research.
Parents
Things sports parents do that make kids hate sports
Well-meant habits from the sideline that quietly push kids out of the game.
Parents
Youth sports balancing act
Managing multi-sport schedules, family time and rest across a busy season.
Coaches
Coaches
What is a coach? What kind are you?
A short self-check for volunteer coaches on the culture they create at practice.
Coaches
Dealing with discipline in a productive way
Practical, positive approaches to team discipline that keep athletes engaged.
Coaches
Making it fun for our kids
Why fun is the strongest predictor that a child keeps playing next season.
Organization
Organization
Executive Board openings
Open volunteer leadership roles and how to put your name forward.