Each spring the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) begins the search for the Parents Association for Youth Sports (PAYS) Parent of the Year. Hundreds are nominated from youth sports programs across the country – not only for the obvious support of their own child, but for truly caring about the safety, development and overall experience of each child in their community that takes to the field, rink or court.

Since 2007, Nationwide Insurance has been the proud sponsor of the Parent of the Year award.

“Like the National Alliance for Youth Sports, Nationwide has a strong commitment to children,” said Rick Legue, relationship manager for Nationwide Insurance. “Sponsoring the Parent of the Year award allows Nationwide to publicly recognize and thank someone who is impacting youth sports in a positive way.”

Parent of the Year nominations are reviewed for how well the nominee exemplifies the PAYS Parents Code of Ethics, built on tenents like placing the emotional and physical well-being of children ahead of a personal desire to win, encouraging a playing environment of good sportsmanship and supporting the coaches and officials of the program.

“I think parents’ roles in youth sports today are critical,” Legue said. “Parents have a very strong impact – either good or bad – on their children’s long-term interest in sports. I have four kids in sports, so that connection is important to me, personally.”

Nominations for the Parent of the Year Award are being accepted until Sept. 14, 2012. Visit http://nays.org/Parents/nominations.cfm to nominate an outstanding parent volunteer today.

As part of their long-standing relationship with the National Alliance for Youth Sports, Nationwide Insurance offers exclusive discounts to NAYS members. Click HERE to learn more.