Title
Discuss Youth Sports Policy Options.
Summary
Over the years, numerous agreements have been developed with youth sports associations, sports clubs, and the school district to support youth sports in Pflugerville. Some of the agreements have been approved by the City Council, some by staff, and other agreements have been merely handshake deals. The terms and requirements of the agreements vary significantly.
As was discussed at the May 8, 2012 City Council Worksession with the Parks and Recreation Commission, participation in youth sports is beginning to exceed the capacity of existing field and facility space within the City. As our City continues to grow, our existing youth sports association agreements do not contemplate how to deal with new groups vying for the same field space. The existing agreements also have the City performing a significant portion of the maintenance associated with the playing fields. There is a concern that the current agreement structure is not sustainable over the long term.
At the May 8, 2012 Worksession, we also discussed the need to develop a City Youth Sports/Athletics Policy which would clearly define the City’s role in youth sports in our community. The goals for the policy might include issues such as:
• promote physical fitness for the youth in our community,
• identify the City’s role in developing emerging new sports,
• treat all sports and segments of the community equitably,
• promote the creation of youth sports associations to manage and financially support youth sports,
• determine an equitable process for sharing common facilities between associations, and
• be financially sustainable for the City.
No action will be taken on this item.
Prior City Council Action
At its July 24, 2012 regular meeting, the City Council passed a resolution that authorized the city manager to issue a one year notice of intent to terminate agreements for all existing youth sports agreements and authorized staff to begin developing a youth sports policy for consideration.
Deadline for City Council Action
All current agreements with existing youth sports associations will expire in August 2013.
Projected Future City Council Action
Adoption of a youth sports policy and approval of various Youth Sports Association agreements by the City Council will be necessary.
Fiscal Impact
To be determined.
Staff Recommendation
Staff is seeking guidance from the City Council at this time.
Drafter
Jim Bowlin
Parks Director