certification for youth sports administrators

“I thought the Academy was fantastic, and I'm grateful that I was given tools and ideas that I can start implementing immediately. Sometimes as administrators we get caught up in the negativity of some parents and coaches and the Academy was a great motivator to keep pushing forward and do things the right way. Thank you to NAYS and the instructors for giving us the road map!”

Ryan Orendorff, CPRP Recreation Specialist - Youth Sports, Widefield Community Center, Colorado Springs, CO
“I just wanted to take the time out to thank NAYS for all you do with training everyone and giving us the guidance to provide leadership for our programs. I can honestly say I have been in a lot of trainings and this one is the one that I am most proud of. It wasn't just a couple of yes or no questions; this was one that you had to put time, thought and effort into. The training was top notch, the online exam was great, and I truly am excited to take what I have learned and will continue to learn and provide the best I can for my community.”

Geno Allport, President, Albion Youth Football, Albion, NYY
“The Academy training was the best training that I have been involved in since I was hired at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Scottsdale. It really opened my eyes to the changes that we need to make here.“

Sheila Scott, Sports Fitness & Recreation Coordinator, Boys & Girls Club Scottsdale-Barker Branch, Scottsdale, AZ
“As a faculty member with the Academy I am very excited about the opportunities that the Online Academy present. The charts, graphs, diagrams, web links and photos all make the presentation of our topics second-to-none! I am also looking forward to being involved in the regularly scheduled chat sessions as youth sports administrators from around the world will be able to join together in discussing hot topics on a regular basis throughout the year. See you online!“

John Sadler, President of Sadler and Company
“By earning the CYSA, you are making the ultimate statement that you truly care about the children and the programs you are providing for them. I strongly recommend that anyone involved in youth sports programming make the effort to go through an Academy and maintain this valuable certification. It pays big dividends every day.“

Megan Vining, CYSA, Recreation Supervisor at Pullman Parks and Recreation, WA
"The decisions we make on a daily basis have profound and long-lasting impact on the children who participate in our programs. I have benefited immensely from earning my CYSA credential as it has enabled me to be a better leader, a more effective communicator and also be more informed on the wide variety of issues we deal with on a daily basis."

Maria Barner, CYSA, Bureau Manager – Recreation, City of Norfolk, VA
"I have become more knowledgeable in many areas of the youth sports field today. Living in a small community, we often don’t see or hear about some of the crazy things that happen at sporting events in other areas of the country. With all the information that CYSAs receive through email, on the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) website and through Sporting Kid Magazine, etc., youth sports administrators can keep up to date with the times, be prepared to handle unique situations when they occur and keep young athletes safe on the playing fields. It has been a great honor to become a CYSA and to be able to put this valuable information in place in our youth sports programs."

Matt Bouchard, Caribou Parks and Recreation, Caribou, ME
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Once A CYSA

What does it mean to be a Certified Youth Sports Administrator (CYSA)?

CYSAs are an elite group of professionals that have earned certification in the field of youth sports. They have successfully completed the Academy for Youth Sports Administrators; they have demonstrated that professional development is essential to the delivery of quality sports programs; and they are committed to raising the professionalism in youth sports!

The Certified Youth Sports Administrator (CYSA) credential is earned by successfully completing the Academy for Youth Sports Administrators' exam within the Online Academy. Prior to taking the exam, candidates must review all materials that are available within the Online Academy sections. Once a candidate satisfactorily completes all section exams, the CYSA credential is earned and they join more than 5,400 other certified professionals who, together, want to offer the highest quality sports experiences in their local communities. The CYSA is a preferred certification for many park and recreation professionals and is mandated to be earned by youth sports directors on U.S. Military (Air Force, Army and Navy) installations that serve children and families worldwide.

CYSAs have continuous access to their CYSA Profile Area within the Online Academy as long as their certification remains current. CYSAs are encouraged to continually log in to the CYSA Area to review information and participate in the CYSA features. Some of the resources available within the CYSA Area include:

  • Academy section review
  • CYSA Forum - an online message board for CYSAs only
  • CYSA Share Area – a secure area where CYSAs share materials, articles, policies, etc.
  • Maintaining Certification Area that includes the CYSA Continuing Education Processing Center to submit continuing education and to view their CYSA activity.
  • Additional online NAYS training opportunities like the Concussion Prevention Training, the Bullying Prevention Training, Coaching Children with Mental Health Challenges and the Protecting Athletes from Abuse Training

The CYSA credential is valid for two-year increments. Every two years, CYSAs are required to earn 10 hours of continuing education/professional development related to the field. These continuing educational hours are submitted and tracked within the CYSA Continuing Education Processing Center that is located in the CYSA Area.

CYSAs can earn continuing education in a variety of ways, including:

  • OPTION #1 – CYSAs register and participate in the NAYS Youth Sports Congress that is held annually in conjunction with the Athletic Business Show. CYSAs must register through NAYS and document attendance at a minimum of 10 hours of sessions during the event. The NAYS Congress registration fee includes any and all CYSA Continuing Education Processing fees.

  • OPTION #2 – CYSAs participate in NAYS Online Training opportunities, including Concussion Prevention, Bullying Prevention, Protecting Athletes from Abuse, Coaching Children with Mental Health Challenges, NAYS Coach and NAYS League Director. (Note these can only be applied as continuing education towards maintaining the CYSA designation one time). CYSAs must login to the CYSA Area for details and to access these online trainings.

  • OPTION #3 – CYSAs attend in-person or online educational sessions at national, state or local levels that are related to the field of youth sports. Upon completion of these educational sessions, CYSAs must login to the CYSA Area to submit documentation and the associated Continuing Education processing fee. The CYSA Continuing Education processing fee is $10 for each documented hour of continuing education/professional development related to the field.

Additional detailed information and CYSA Continuing Education Guidelines are provided to CYSAs when they are logged into their Online CYSA Profile.

Benefits of maintaining the CYSA credential:

  • Demonstrate your professional commitment to the field
  • Gain valuable knowledge and information about the foundations of youth sports
  • Add the designation to your signature line and resume
  • Access to the CYSA Area, including the CYSA Forum, CYSA Share Area, additional online trainings, and more
  • Receive special discounts to attend the NAYS Youth Sports Congress
  • Access to valuable downloadable forms, materials and resources
  • Network with other CYSAs from around the world

Exclusive Partner Discounts/Programs for CYSAs


Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness is the largest and fastest growing, 24-hour, co-ed fitness franchise in the world. With our clubs open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, we offer the ultimate in convenience. Participating locations offer NAYS members a 10% discount on monthly dues, 50% off standard enrollment and 10% off tanning when available.

BSN SPORTS

A leading distributor and manufacturer of sports, fitness, recreation and field equipment for more than 30 years. Offering great products at great prices through catalog and 24/7 online ordering. From balls and uniforms to training and fitness equipment, BSN SPORTS stands behind everything they sell. NAYS members receive 15% off their orders through BSN.

Constant Contact

Constant Contact®, Inc.'s email marketing and online survey tools help small businesses and organizations connect to customers quickly, easily, and affordably and build stronger relationships. NAYS Members receive an additional 10% off the standard prepay discounts. That is 20% off six months, or 25% off the full year. Pre-payment is required for these member exclusive savings.

CruisesOnly

CruisesOnly is America’s largest cruise agency. They are offering NAYS members the lowest prices in the industry and backs their prices with the only 110% Best Price Guarantee. Shop and compare thousands of cruises from 25 of the world’s top fleets departing from 22 U.S. ports, on over 250 ships! Browse the latest in new promotions and last-minute offers.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Does one of your teams have to travel to games? Or are you and your family taking a vacation this season? Either way, NAYS has teamed up with Enterprise Rent-A-Car to offer our members a 5% discount on your next rental. Become a NAYS member today and start saving on your trips!

Lenovo

Members of NAYS are eligible to save up to 30% off the everyday public web price of the entire line of Lenovo products, including laptops, tablets, desktops, accessories and more. Members also receive free ground shipping on all web orders and can take advantage of monthly limited-time special offers. Experience the Lenovo difference!

LifeLock

You could miss certain identity threats by just monitoring your credit. We see more† , like if your personal information is sold on the dark web. And if there’s a problem, we’ll work to fix it. NAYS members get 30 Days Free and 10% off your first year of LifeLock identity theft protection. *Terms apply.

Office Depot

NAYS Members can save up to 80% on over 93,000 products. Great for your printing, cleaning and office needs. Shop online or in any Office Depot or OfficeMax store. Enjoy FREE next-day delivery on online orders over $50! Start shopping online or print off a FREE Store Purchasing Card through your member account.

YBA Shirts

YBA Shirts is family owned and operated and has been in business over 40 years. YBA handles manufacturing, printing, & customizing uniforms & company apparel for non-profit, recreational, private, jr. professional leagues, schools, and corporations across the country. YBA believes in high quality, low price, quick turnaround, and superior service! NAYS members receive 10% off orders through YBA.