A proclamation endorsing a Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports in Celebration of Whole Child Month

WHEREAS, Metro Parks is proud to partner with Tacoma Public Schools and community partners to engage youth in opportunities to continue learning, playing, and connecting in safe and supportive environments outside of the traditional school day; and

WHEREAS, this “Whole Child” approach includes opportunities to participate in various sports, which has proven effective in addressing a range of larger challenges – from obesity prevention to cancer risk reduction, from gender equity to the social inclusion of people with disabilities, from racial bias to the restoration of civic trust across communities; and

WHEREAS, recognizing the human rights of children is key to closing gaps in the availability and quality of sport programs.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Park Commissioners hereby celebrates the month of January as Whole Child Month by endorsing and adopting the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports, developed by the Aspen Institute through its Project Play initiative. The Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports identifies that children hold the following eight rights:

1. To play sports. Organizations should make every effort to accommodate children’s interests to participate, and to help them play with peers from diverse backgrounds.
2. To safe and healthy environments. Children have the right to play in settings free from all forms of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), hazing, violence, and neglect.
3. To qualified program leaders. Children have the right to play under the care of coaches and other adults who pass background checks and are trained in key competencies.
4. To developmentally appropriate play. Children have a right to play at a level commensurate with their physical, mental and emotional maturity, and their emerging athletic ability. They should be treated as young people first, athletes second.
5. To share in the planning and delivery of their activities. Children have the right to share their viewpoints with coaches and for their insights to be incorporated into activities.
6. To an equal opportunity for personal growth. Programs should invest equally in all child athletes, free of discrimination based on any personal or family characteristic.
7. To be treated with dignity. Children have the right to participate in environments that promote the values of sportsmanship, of respect for opponents, officials, and the game.
8. To enjoy themselves. Children have the right to participate in activities they consider fun, and which foster the development of friendships and social bonds.

The foregoing proclamation was adopted by the Board of Park Commissioners of the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma at a regularly scheduled meeting held on January 13, 2025.