The All-Sports Ministry of PA NJ & DE - Executive Summary Start-Up Budget & Prospectus

Shared-use can be an effective strategy for reducing these race- and income-based
health disparities by increasing opportunities for physical activity. Because it makes use
of existing facilities, shared-use is a particularly potent tool in under-resourced
neighborhoods, where a lack of funding, and/or lack of open spaces, prevents the
development of new recreational venues.
Although shared-use is most often used as a strategy to increase physical activity,
opportunities on school grounds, other government agencies, community- and faithbased
organizations are successfully implementing other types of shared-use
arrangements. Examples include creating recreational opportunities with non-traditional
partners such as Churches, Municipalities, School Districts, etc.
Addressing Liability Concerns
One of the most common reasons given when schools or community organizations
don’t move forward with a shared-use relationship is the fear that they will be liable
(legally responsible) in the event that someone is injured or property is damaged.
Sometimes this fear of liability is a very real hurdle and complicates potential shareduse
opportunities. Other times it is merely a perception of fear that can be easily
overcome with the right tools. Regardless, liability is a complex legal issue and should
be addressed in any shared-use agreement.
All 50 states have their own laws governing liability, and all offer some legal protections
(sometimes called “immunity”) for public entities like schools in the event of an injury or
property damage that occurs on public property. Some states have strong protections
for public entities while other states have more limited protections.
[Moreover], using prudent risk management strategies, such as regularly inspecting and
maintaining property, carrying the proper insurances, and distributing legal risk through
shared use agreements, parties can often overcome any liability concerns that
potentially stand in the way of achieving a successful shared use partnership.
Our Program
[A recent] analysis, compiled by the [Philadelphia]'s Sports-based Youth Development
task force, concluded that youth who participate in sports and physical activity
have better grades, a better attitude toward school work, better attendance, and are
more likely to complete school. They are also less likely to take drugs, drink alcohol,
engage in risky sex, smoke cigarettes, and commit or fall victim to violence.
"Healthier children are more likely to complete school, which in turn increases opportunities in
adulthood and positively impacts social mobility," it said.
The report came after nine months of work by the task force, led by Otis Hackney, the
city's chief education officer; Michael DiBerardinis, its managing director; and David
Montgomery, chairman of the Phillies.
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