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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-03-04 - AGENDA REPORTS - YOUTH BASKETBALL (2)TO: CITY OF SANTA CLARITA INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Mayor Hamilton C. Smyth City Councilmembers FROM: George Caravalho,.City DATE: March 4, 1997 SUBJECT: PRIORITY REGISTRATION FOR RESIDENTS IN YOUTH BASKETBALL The City of Santa Clarita's Parks and Recreation programs have experienced significant increases in participation since the inception of the City nine years ago. Virtually all of the 200 programmatic sports and recreational offerings are at or near capacity and, in many cases have an extensive waiting list. This is particularly true of the youth programs. The City of Santa Clarita's Youth Basketball program experienced a 25% increase in participation over the past two years alone. The Recreation Division maintains a Youth Basketball League with 184 teams accommodating 1,640 children playing 1,012 games over the course of the season. It is estimated that each child is provided with 60 minutes of practice time per week and game days run from 8:00 in the morning until 8:00 in the evening. In the past, the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department has maintained a policy of trying to ensure that each and every child who wanted to play was provided an opportunity to do so. Unfortunately, over 235 children are currently on a waiting list for the Youth Basketball program and will not be playing this season. As a result of the waiting lists, many resident families have expressed concern over the inability of the City to provide a recreational opportunity for their children. In reviewing the residency status of the Youth Basketball league participants, it has been determined that 15% of participants live outside Santa Clarita's City limits, in such areas as Stevenson Ranch, Castaic, Acton, and Agua Dulce. Had resident families been given the opportunity for priority registration, virtually all of them would have been placed on a team. In light of the public concern, this information was presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Commission reviewed the subject in detail and extensively discussed the impacts of various forms of priority registration for Youth Basketball (please see attachment). .,11.J.a1tem:—L The Commission, along with City staff, expressed concerns in regards to allowing every child who wants to participate the opportunity to do so. However, in the final analysis, the Commission and staff felt that children of families who live within the City limits and whose tax dollars directly subsidize -these recreational programs should be given some form of consideration for registration. The subsidy amounts to 46% of all costs or approximately $75,000. To that end, the Commission recommended consideration of staffs recommendation of a one week residents -only registration period. After that time, both residents and non- residents may still register their children in the Youth Basketball program pending space available. The high rates of participation, in combination with the lack of facilities, has placed the City in this difficult position. Staff and Commission agree that given an ideal set of circumstances, all youth would be able to participate in each and every program of interest to them. Unfortunately, the City's facilities are simply unable to keep pace with our growth. Following is an example of pros and cons related to the subject of priority registration: 114MOMMY)IDW�► City Council authorize a one-week resident priority registration period for participants in the Youth Basketball program. Registration Policies for Other California Cities GC/RP:skh pr\council priorreg.397 Action Pro fm A. Continue with current All youth would have equal The City's General Fund registration process. access to City Youth subsidizes 46% of all costs Basketball. for Youth Sports. Some residents will continue to be excluded from Youth Basketball. B. Implement resident Residents have the Non-resident youth would priority registration. opportunity to participate in have significantly more priority registration. difficulty being placed in a Likelihood of being placed in City Youth Basketball a Youth Basketball league league, would significantly be increased. 114MOMMY)IDW�► City Council authorize a one-week resident priority registration period for participants in the Youth Basketball program. Registration Policies for Other California Cities GC/RP:skh pr\council priorreg.397 Registration Policies for Other California Cities flay Policv Agoura Hills Two week mail -in registration for residents only, followed by walk-in registration for residents and non-residents. Benicia One to two weeks mail-in/drop-off registration for Benicia residents only, followed by walk-in/mail-in for residents and non-residents. Beverly Hills Two week mail -in registration period for City residents only, followed by a two-week mail -in registration period for non-residents. Burbank One week mail -in registration for City residents. Registrations for non-residents are processed one week later.