General Statement
The International Association of Children’s Active Play and Sports (CAPS) is an international, non-governmental organization founded in Swiss, Basel in 2018, and its law is governed by articles 60 et seq. of the Swiss Civil code.
Our philosophy
CAPS aims to protect and promote children’s health and well-being through physically active play and age-appropriate sports activities worldwide according to Global standards developed by World Health Organization (WHO) for physical activity, sedentary screen time and sleep in early child care and Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for children aged 5 - 17 years (Reference Link)
According to a globally-accepted standard reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), children need 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day. Active play (unstructured or structured) is the best way to keep physically active in early childhood and it should always be, fun and part of daily life. Active play activities and programs should lead to the development of fundamental motor skills (manipulation, locomotion, and stability) which are basic for future organized sport skills.
The increase of organized sports is taking the place of unstructured play, unfortunately. It also recognizes an accompanying trend of younger children getting involved in organized sports (early sport specialization). Teaching sport-related skills before children are developmentally ready is more likely to cause physical or mental injury, frustration than long-term success in the sport. Overuse is particularly serious for young athletes because their growing bones “cannot handle as much stress as the mature bones of adults (Ref.:The American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness).
It is recommended that children be exposed to a variety of adapted or developmentally appropriate and play-based sports in fun, non-competitive programs so they can develop a broad range of skills and see what each activity is like first-hand. By participating in a variety of sports at the recreational level, they’ll be more likely to find those sports they are interested in sticking with for years to come.
Vision
Recognized authority and leading advocate for children’s physical activity through active play & sports activities.
Mission Statement
As an international association, CAPS works with and through its members to promote the value of physical activity for children through active play (0- 6 years old) and age-appropriate sports activities (6-12 years old) worldwide
CAPS Constitution
1. Name
The name of the Association shall be the International Association of Children’s Active Play and Sports abbreviated as CAPS
2. Purpose
The purpose of CAPS is to promote children’s health and well-being through physically active play and age-appropriate sports activities worldwide according to Global standards developed by World Health Organization (WHO) for physical activity, sedentary screen time, and sleep in early child care
3. What CAPS is
The International Association of Children’s Active Play and Sports (CAPS) is a non-profit association governed by the present statutes and, secondly, by Articles 60 et seq. of the Swiss Civil Code, founded in 2018. It is neutral politically, and non-denominational. The Organization's headquarters are located in the State of Basel land. The Association shall be of unlimited duration. It is interdisciplinary and all professions concerned with children’s health through physically active play and age-appropriate sports activities can join CAPS.
4. Objective
CAPS aims to educate facilitators, PE coaches, and children to realize the importance of physical activity and its role in a person's entire life. We aim to promote children’s health and well-being through physically active play and age-appropriate sport according to Global standards developed by World Health Organization (WHO) for physical activity, sedentary screen time, and sleep in early child care CAPS aims
5. Activities of CAPS
provide a platform for the exchange of information, views, and the sharing of experiences through international educational events (meetings, courses, seminars, or workshops) relating to children’s physically active play & sports
support and promote the professional development of research and scholarly activities in all aspects of children’s physically active play & sports programs
provide members working in children’s physically active play & sport, relevant products, and services.
offer high-quality learning and networking opportunities for CAPS’ members through events, training, and educational assistance.
promoting collaboration with national and international organizations relating to CAPS’ objectives
6. Membership
Membership of CAPS shall consist of the following:
(a) Individuals;
(b) Organizations
* Annual membership amount determined by CAPS Board. The yearly CAPS membership fee for individuals and organizations are determined by the Board based on the national disposable income per country
7. National Representation
CAPS Board appoints a qualified individual or organization as CAPS representative in a country. The applicants can apply to be CAPS representatives in their country through the CAPS website. The yearly CAPS national representative fee is determined by the national disposable income per country (link: Guidelines on procedures to appoint CAPS national representatives)
8. Management
(a) CAPS shall be managed by an international Board.
(b) The Board shall be elected by CAPS national representatives at the General Assembly Meeting for 3 years.
(c) The General Assembly shall be composed of the CAPS National Representatives and the Board. The General Assembly meets every 3 years and its decisions are binding for all organs and members of CAPS.
(d) The General Assembly meeting shall be chaired by the President of CAPS (or in his or her vice president or representative).
(e) Every issue may be determined by a simple majority of the votes cast at a General Assembly meeting.
9. The Board
(a) The Board shall consist of President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Chair of Scientific Committee, Chair of Development Committee shall be elected by CAPS national representatives at the General Assembly Meeting
(b) The Board shall meet at least once per year in person or online.
(c) the Board shall work closely with CAPS national representatives to promote the purpose and objectives of CAPS
(d) the Board shall have authority to review applicants’ backgrounds to be CAPS national representatives and members of committees for special purposes and to appoint qualified persons or organizations.