This program is designed to be a supplemental program to the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation, Youth Sport Coaches Certification Program S.P.O.R.T.S. The combination of the two (2) programs will help prevent and minimize negative situations that occur too often today, and to instill a quality, safe and enjoyable athletic experience for the youth of Texas.

S. Sports parenting- problem behaviors and how to avoid them
M. Mental preparedness- seeing situations arising and how to relax
A. Aftereffects- the consequences of yours and your coaches actions
R. Rules of the game- know the rules and how to deal with officials
T. Taking responsibility for yourself, family and friends

The goal of these programs (Coachs' and Parents) is to restore balance to the teaching situation that youth sports offers; to eliminate violence, negative talking and taunting on sidelines; to improve communication between coaches, officials, parents and children; and to return to the fun and learning inherent in youth sports.

This program was developed by the City of El Paso PARD – Paula Powell and has been a mandatory program in El Paso for the past two years. They have seen drastic results because of this program.

• For example in the two years prior to the program, police were called to youth athletic events 100 times, in the two years since the program - once (1).
• In the two years prior to the program they had 117 adult ejections from youth athletic events, in the two years since the program - five (5).
• Suspensions from youth athletic facilities have dropped from 64 to five (5).

These numbers have and could happen anywhere.

For more program information or how to establish a S.M.A.R.T. Parents Youth Sports Program in your city contact the T.A.A.F. State Office 512 863-9400