Beyond the Whistle: Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Program
The Beyond the Whistle program, part of the Careers in Sport initiative, is a pilot program led by the Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative in partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Rec. This program aims to provide Parks and Rec employees with high-quality sports-specific training while addressing the shortage of coaches and sports officials in the youth sports community.
The program’s vision is to engage employees in education and training, offering additional career and employment opportunities in coaching and refereeing for Philadelphia Parks and Rec. Participants will gain valuable skills to support their local Parks and Rec facilities with trained and qualified personnel for various sports. This initiative will enhance the quality of sports in the city by developing knowledgeable and prepared coaches, mentors, and officials committed to furthering their involvement in sports and the community.
The Philadelphia Parks and Rec Referee Program will launch in Fall 2024. To be eligible, participants must be current Parks and Rec employees. The first cohort will receive basic officiating training in basketball. Upon completing the course, participants can take the PIAA exam to become licensed basketball referees.
Interested in going Beyond the Whistle?
Beyond the Whistle: School District of Philadelphia Program
The Beyond the Whistle program, part of the Careers in Sport initiative, is a pilot program led by the Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative in partnership with the Philadelphia School District’s Division of Athletics. It aims to provide high school students with high-quality after-school activities while addressing the shortage of coaches and sports officials in the youth sports community.
The program engages students in educational and training activities, offering career and employment opportunities upon completion. It introduces participants to various roles in sports beyond competition, enhancing the quality of district sports by developing knowledgeable and prepared coaches and officials.
Importantly, Careers in Sport is a paid training opportunity, offering financial incentives for participation and completion, at no cost to the participating schools.
Junior Coach and Junior Referee Program
The Beyond the Whistle: Junior Coach and Junior Referee Program offers two tracks for students aged 16 and older.
1) Junior Coach Track: This track introduces students to coaching through practical training and on-field/court experiences. Upon completing the program, students will receive job placement support.
2) Junior Official Track: This track provides basic officiating training for students interested in becoming Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) certified officials. Participants will take the PIAA exam and, upon passing, will be assigned to a PIAA assigner for employment opportunities.
