Denver Parks and Recreation

Youth Sports Coaches

Provide sport-specific instruction and coaching for Youth Sports participants while modeling Denver Parks and Recreation and Youth Sports core values and customer service standards.


Coaching Expectations

  • Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to practices and games to set up and stay at least 15 minutes after to tear down and ensure all participants are accounted for. 
  • Work with your Recreation Center to ensure you have the necessary equipment to facilitate practices, including a whistle. 
  • Have your team roster available for the duration of the season. Keep daily attendance of your team and relay the names of any absentees to the Center Coordinator to follow up with participants. 
  • Contact your Recreation Center Coordinator at least two (2) hours prior to practice/game if you are unable to make it. It is your responsibility to make sure your practice/game will be covered. 
  • Keep an open line of communication with the Recreation Center staff, parents, players, and Youth Sports Team. Ensure that your contact information (email/phone #) are updated. 
  • Have a parent meeting at the first practice to review rules, team expectations/goals, identify a “Team Parent” or additional volunteer coach.
  • Volunteers must complete our volunteer application and pass a background check before being cleared to assist.
  • Develop practice plans with age-appropriate skills and drills.
  • Know, follow, and uphold all rules, codes of ethics, and Youth Sports core values. 
  • Understand that all coaches, officials, site supervisors, and Youth Sports staff all work for the same team under Denver Parks & Recreation. Work collaboratively to deliver a fun and safe experience for participants and spectators.
  • Follow the dress code: Appropriate athletic clothing and shoes are required for practices and games.
  • Coach with a positive and professional demeanor with an emphasis on being a great role model/coach. 


Coaches Code of Ethics

  • I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of my personal desire to win. 
  • I will treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development for the same age group.
  • I will do my best to provide a safe and fun environment for my players.
  • I will do my best to organize practices that are fun, challenging, and age appropriate for all my players.
  • I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players. 
  • I will provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and will refrain from use at all youth sports events.
  • I will be knowledgeable in the rules of each sport that I coach, and I will teach these rules to my players.
  • I will use coaching techniques appropriate for all the skills that I teach. 
  • I will remember that I am a youth sports coach, and that the game is for kids not adults.
  • I will assist the DPR Youth Sports Team to uphold and enforce both player and parent code of conduct for the duration of the season. 


Know, Follow, and Uphold

Sport-Specific Rules
Player Rights and Parent Expectations
Emergency Action Plan
Denver Youth Sports Core Values: Fun, Safety, Teamwork, Sportsmanship, Confidence, Education, Honesty, Integrity, Respect