11-20-86 Agenda & Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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These five programming points would allow the great numbers of participants adequate space and time to participate in the sport of basektball. Granted, the program compromises may not offer the intense basketball training for competitive play, but would provide enough time and space for a solid fun and instructional experience. 410 Other programs will have to offer compromises too. As a recreational programmer, I have the responsibility to look at the whole picture of gymnasium needs by the many community groups and therefore, I believe I have a duty to provide as fair and equitable usage without determining the importance of programs due to numbers, age, sex or wealth. It is obvious to me in the last ten years that I have participated in the basketball association and recreation/community education negotiations that individual groups such as the basketball association have difficulty understanding that their program is just ONE program among others that serve the people of the community . . . that their needs are just ONE of many that need to be met. I take offense at the assumptions that the recreation departments are not advocates of the basketball associations. We submit permits to the basketball associations that greatly supercedes any other individual program. Programs such as gymnastics and jazz exercise have taken a back seat to IBA in many occasions to accomodate for "the best" faciltiies. There are definitely some programs I chose not to change such as the Thursday night open adult volleyball and basketball. This is my decision as I look to the broad spectrum of community recreational needs and endeavor to fulfill all needs as equitably as possible. Finally, I would like to outline the goals and objectives of the recreation • department because I think that often they are different than the basketball association's goals. As directed by the Mounds View Parks and Recreation Commission, the department is given the responsiblity to offer opportunities to the community to participate in recreational leisure activities. These activities are to offer enjoyment and instruction. Competition is an offshoot of play experience, but in no way is competition to be the sole criteria of an activity. This is highlighted more so in the effects of children's activities which involve skill development. Competition holds a second fiddle in youth sports to the first and foremost aim of providing an enjoyable experience and instr•uct.ional base. As members of the NYSCA (National Youth Sports Coaches Association) it is our aim to provide youth with healthy concepts of leisure activity in lifelong pursuits. Regardless of skills, the participants receive equal time and experiences. Winning is obviously "icing on the cake", rather than a necessary factor to provide "fun". For this reason, game scores and standings are not kept in the recreation programs offered through this department. The NYSCA suggests no more than 1-1-1/2 hour practices two times per week for youth athletics. The NYSCA does recognize the necessity for a well-balanced diet in leisure pursuits and thus sees the need for youth to participate in many athletic and non-athletic activities rather than concentrating in one. It is a conflict of agency goals to overlook organizations which continue to foster win attitudes and competition in a manner other than described. It has been my directive to educate the coaches and organizers in Mounds View youth . athletic programs to the goals and objectives as described by NYSCA and adopted by the Mounds View Parks and Recreation Commission. I am sure that this memo has "stood the hairs up on many a person's neck", but I hope it better clarifies the position of Mounds View Parks and Recreation Department pertaining to the basketball associations.