Mission Statement

The Columbia Interfaith Basketball League, hereafter referred to as the CIBL, strongly believes in the benefits of participation in organized sports. Participation in sports has proven to build self-esteem, promote teamwork and camaraderie, develop the body as well as the mind, and strengthen communities. Therefore, the goal of the CIBL is not to promote competition, but to provide a safe, positive environment for young people of all backgrounds to participate and enjoy a wholesome sports program.

The CIBL has embraced the philosophies set forth in National Standards for Youth Sports*, a publication compiled by the National Alliance for Youth Sports based on an assembly of 48 of the nation’s leading experts representing a vast variety of disciplines affecting youth sports. The following Standards were established:

Standard #1 – Proper Sports Environment
We must consider and carefully choose the proper environment for our children, including the appropriate age and development for participation, the type of sport, the rules in the sport, the age range of the participants, and the proper level of physical and emotional stress.

Standard #2 – Programs Based on Well-Being of Children
We must select youth sports programs that are developed and organized to enhance the emotional, physical, social, and educational well-being of children.

Standard #3 – Drug, Tobacco, and Alcohol-Free Environment
We must encourage a drug, tobacco, and alcohol-free environment for our children.

Standard #4 –Part of Child’s Life
We must recognize that youth sports are only a small part of a child’s life.

Standard #5 – Training
We must insist that coaches be trained and certified.

Standard #6 – Parents’ Active Role
We must make a serious effort to take an active role in the youth sports experience of our children providing positive support as a spectator, coach, league administrator, and/or caring parent.

Standard #7 – Positive Role Models
We must be a positive role model exhibiting sportsmanlike behavior at games, practices, and home while giving positive reinforcement to our children and support our childrens’ coaches.

Standard #8 – Parental Commitment
Parents must demonstrate their commitment to their child’s youth sports experience by annually signing a parental code of ethics.

Standard #9 – Safe Playing Situations
We must insist on safe playing facilities, healthful playing situations, and proper first aid applications, should the need arise.

Standard #10 – Equal Play Opportunity
Parents, coaches, and league administrators must provide equal sports play opportunity for all youth regardless of race, creed, sex, socioeconomic status, or ability.

Standard #11 – Drug, Tobacco & Alcohol-Free Adults
Parents as coaches, fans, and league administrators must be drug, tobacco, and alcohol-free at youth sports activities.

*Over 200 agencies and organizations have, by resolution, endorsed the National Standards for Youth Sports.