YOUTH COMMITTEE

[ronconversjr]

Well folks I`m just getting back from the Fall`08 BOD meeting and I want to share a project and pick your brains!I proposed the creation of a youth committee and it was approved!At this point I`m attempting to write a charter to cover the purpose ,goals and responsibilities of this committee.I plan on soliciting your comments as this takes shape.
I`m also looking for experts to help on the committee so if you know someone that you think I should contact ,let me know.A few obvious ones come to mind...EDGE representatives are already on my list.
Here is a first attempt at a rough draft :
1.)Promote continuity in dealing with youth programs
2.)Develop programs aimed at increasing youth involvement in Disc sports
3.)Monitor and assist youth/age based division play in co-ordination with existing programs
4.)Offer guidance,assistance and incentives to TD`s promoting youth competition
5.)Actively promote disc sports
specific goals include: Further develop contact and co-ordination with EDGE
Put together a"marketing "presentation designed to show the benefits of the sport (as it applies to youth)
Assist in designing "Patch or Badge" programs to meet each organization`s requirements
Develop a program outline for summer youth programs

Any good advice I can get on completing this important job is appreciated thanks,Ron

[guroose]

Looks like a great start! Just started picking up the sport with my kids (13 & 11) & have been thinking about several ways to encourage the kids. I've looked into the EDGE curriculum and looks like a great way to start. Plan on getting a starter set and doing a CO-OP class with the local homeschool to get started. get my feet wet and see about extending to the local schools. A couple of thoughts on developing a broader program-

1. Local knowledge is vital to the program's continuity. Reliance on key persons can be risky. Therefore, a good curriculum and leader training is vital at the local level. EDGE can provide the curriculum, but what about the leader training?

2. Key state and regional contacts should be easy to find on this website for anyone interested in finding out more information and promoting the sport locally. This & the PDGA sites have been fantastic resources for me to learn more about the sport, rles, etc. A youth program should be highlighted and updated here as well with current information.

3. Seems like there are some really good players in the state. Having them available at local kid-friendly events would go a long way to gaining interest. Local fairs, parades, etc. are always good opportunities.

4. Set par at "red" levels for junior play. Give them some opportunities to make birdies and eagles along with the top players and you'll see a real spark in their eyes.

5. Encourage family play. Get the parents actively involved and they will be more apt to support their children's activity. Family memberships is a great way to get the whole family involved. Worked for Tae-Kwan-Do!

6. National/Local TV coverage & video games. Kids see it and play it at home and the interest will explode. Think X-Games! Texas Hold-em Poker! (NOTE: was going to post this on the PDGA discussion as I think it is key to taking the sport to the next level for visibility & funding. Bigger prize pools if you can get it on a sports channel.)

I'm sure there are a lot more ideas out there & this is a great way to get them out there for everyone to see. Keep up the great work! Thanks!

[ronconversjr]

the PDGA board adopted the Youth Committee charter.10/10/2007
Purpose of this commitee
1.)Create,develop,improve,and maintian programs designed to increase youth involvement in disc golf and the PDGA.
2.)Insure continuity in dealing with youth programs.
3.)Monitor,guide,and assist in promoting youth/age based division play.
4.)Co-ordinate with other PDGAcommittees and departments including education and marketing.
Let`s get this idea in flight! The call is going out for qualified committee members.If you think you have the necessary skills and want to help the future of our sport ,get in touch with me.I will be acting as the BOD liason to the committee after it gets set up .I hope to post any "great ideas "here to see how they look to you folks!