There are a lot of youth sports programs in Regina, and honestly, the marketing can make them all sound identical. “We build champions.” “Where athletes are made.” You have probably seen those taglines on a dozen different websites.
We think parents deserve more than slogans. So here is the checklist we would use ourselves — and we are not going to pretend we are the only program that ticks every box.
1. Ask About Coach Credentials, Not Just Experience
Experience matters, but certifications matter more when your child is involved. At a minimum, every coach working with minors should hold a current Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening. That is non-negotiable in Saskatchewan. Beyond that, look for Respect in Sport certification, Standard First Aid with CPR-C, and some form of concussion awareness training.
At NAA, all of our coaches hold these certifications before they ever step on the floor. We also follow the Rule of Two policy — interactions between coaches and participants always take place in open, observable settings with two screened adults present, never one-on-one behind closed doors.
2. Understand the Coach-to-Athlete Ratio
A ratio of 1:20 might be fine for a recreational drop-in. But if you are paying for development, ask yourself: how many touches will your child get in a 55-minute session with 20 other kids? Probably not many. Our programs run at ratios between 1:8 and 1:14 depending on the sport and age tier. Smaller groups mean more individual feedback and less standing around.
3. Look at Safety Protocols and Venue Standards
Ask how the organization handles facility safety, emergency action plans, and participant well-being. A structured program should have designated first-aid lead coaches, inspected kits on site, and clear emergency action protocols for every facility they use.
4. Ask What Happens After Registration
Does the program communicate through a proper channel like TeamLinkt, or do you get random texts from a personal phone number? Is there a clear cancellation or weather policy? Do they send progress reports or is the entire eight weeks a black box?
We issue an NAA Athlete Progress Report at the end of every block. It covers technique, effort, sportsmanship, and specific skills relevant to the sport. It is not a trophy — it is honest feedback that helps parents understand where their child is developing and where they can improve.
5. Watch a Session Before You Commit
Any legitimate program should be fine with you observing a session before registering. If they are not, that tells you something. We welcome parents to watch from the bleachers at any point during the season.
The Bottom Line
Do your homework. Read the policies. Check the credentials. The right fit for your family might be NAA or it might be another program entirely. What matters is that your child ends up somewhere safe, structured, and genuinely committed to their growth.
If you want to learn more about our specific programs, you can browse our Programs page or reach out through our Contact page.