Every child should be able to develop their human potential through sports.

The research is clear: Through interaction with recreation spaces, objects and peers, youth develop the physical, mental, social and emotional skills to navigate life. A mountain of evidence now documents the myriad benefits that flow to those whose bodies are in motion — and to communities that invest in sport activity. It’s too valuable to be treated anymore as a nice-to-have in the United States, where many youth lack access to a sustained, safe, enriching experience.

We call upon leaders across sectors to support the right of all children to play, regardless of zip code, race, ethnicity, gender, ability/disability, sexual orientation, faith, or economic status. Efforts should be made to address gaps with underrepresented populations of youth, defined as anyone under age 18.

We encourage policymakers to develop funding and governance mechanisms that can expand access to the recreation options available in communities. An equity lens should be applied to investments.

Our belief: Level the playing field in sports for youth and we begin to level the playing field in society, given the potential lessons learned, relationships fostered, and physical activity habits formed for life.

We encourage sport organizations embrace best practices in program design and delivery. At a minimum, they should recognize the rights children have in sports.
 
All children have 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.

Many organizations and schools provide sports programs that align with these principles. They should not have to stand out as exemplars. We define the above minimum expectations in the context of human rights to help create norms for the delivery of programs, and to elevate the field. The goal of articulating the rights of children to and in sport here is not to establish additional legal rights and liability risks, but to create consensus behavior that improves the lives of youth. With the rights of youth as a floor, we can build a better house for all of sports.

This petition was created by the Aspen Institute through its Project Play initiative, which helps stakeholders build healthy children and communities through sports. Learn more about the Bill of Rights at the Project Play website, which includes an FAQ, a list of some of the athletes and organizations supporting the Bill of Rights, and resources that can help sport providers design and develop programs that align with the eight rights.