This region has a deep history in local youth organizations. With that history comes the responsibility to provide a quality experience to the participants. All of these organizations have a similar trait and that is volunteerism. This is the backbone of every good organization, for they have the responsibility to provide to the youth an experience that will be lifelong. The inherent problem is the turnover rate of volunteers. Maintaining consistency within the organization is very important to its success. With this turnover, educating new volunteers on the mission of the organization becomes a high priority.

I recently had an opportunity to meet with members of these youth organizations. First, I want to recognize these volunteers for the time and energy they spend in dealing with numerous issues both on and off the playing field. Behind the scenes, they are doing a number of things that get taken for granted. Unless you have been there, you can’t understand the field maintenance that occurs, or the fundraising activities, the scheduling, rules and regulations, the purchasing of equipment, background checks, registrations, or the clinics for coaching, etc. etc.

The number of participants is incredible and confirms that the region approves of what these organizations have done historically, and the direction they are going in the future.

Let me give you an idea of the numbers we are talking about:

Warwick Rugby Union has 60 boys and girls on the high school level participating.
Warwick Boys Lacrosse Club has 110 participants in grades 3rd – 12th
Lititz youth Soccer Club has over 900 participants between spring and fall seasons. This age group is 5-19.
Warwick Youth Girls Softball has over 300 girls from ages 7-16.
Warwick Little League has over 500 participants from ages 7-16.
Warwick Travel Baseball Association has 80 participants ages 8-16.

With close to 2,000 youth participants, there are numerous opportunities for the youth in our region to get involved in organized team sports.

Final Note: If you are a parent or a fan and go to youth games or practices, remember all of the hard work the volunteers do within these organizations. Go up to these people and thank them for the time and energy they put into the program. Also, as a parent trying to decide if these youth sports are the right avenue to take for your child, I will give you some guidelines to go by:

1. Is skill development being taught?
2. Is the program being promoted in a positive light?
3. Is this program providing a social and physical outlet for the youth?
4. Are all youth getting an opportunity to compete?
5. Is there positive interaction between the coaches and parents?
6. Most importantly are the youth having FUN?

By following these guidelines, you and [most importantly] your child will find the right fit with the right organization.

*Lancaster General is sponsoring a Coaches Clinic on Saturday, February 25th from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. This Clinic will be held at the Stager Conference Center located in the hospital. The Clinic will cover injury prevention and basic coaching skills. For more information contact Patty Phelan at 544-5233 or paphelan@lancastergerneral.org.

See ya in two!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!