Chapter 6 Youth Sport 6 Youth Sport C H A P T E R

Chapter Outline History of Youth Sport Sponsors of Youth Sport Current Status of Youth Sport Organized Youth Sport (continued)

Chapter Outline (continued) Why Kids Play—and Stop Playing—Sports Burnout in Youth Sport Reforms for Youth Sport Chapter Summary

Historical Development of Youth Sport From stickball to Little League, established 1939 Mostly games child-organized until 50 years ago Increase in girls’ participation since Title IX, 1972 (continued)

Historical Development of Youth Sport (continued) Family and society changes affecting popularity –Working mothers –Fear of child predators –Safe haven for inner city kids –Specialized training

Sponsors of Youth Sport Community or parks programs Community organizations Nonprofit sport organizations Corporate sponsors, local and national

Discussion Who should pay for youth sport?

Current Status of Youth Sport In 2005, 59% of U.S. children ages 10 to 17 played at least one organized sport. Team sport participation peaks at age 11. More than 70% of U.S. kids drop out of sport before high school.

Reasons for Dropping Out Emphasis on winning Stress placed on high performance, early specialization in one sport Expense Increased overuse injury rate (continued)

Reasons for Dropping Out (continued) Trend toward alternative sports Lack of trained coaches Early starting age leads to greater burnout

Girls’ Participation Girls tend to enter sport later than boys. Girls drop out sooner and in greater numbers. Girls more likely to take part in wide array of sports; boys stick to more traditional. In rural and urban areas, girls participate far less than boys.

Explosion of Extreme or Action Sports Increased by 600% since 1990 X Games now mainstream Extreme sports clearly not just a fad See table 6.3 on page 104 for trends in extreme sport participation.

Effects of Trends on Youth and Sport Decreased physical activity Rising obesity rates More than 5 hours a day of screen time Altered sport preference –Basketball and soccer increasing while baseball, cycling decreasing –Individual sports remaining steady in participation

Organizers of Youth Sport Athlete-organized sport: Pickup games run by those playing; participation has significantly declined over the past 20 years Adult-organized sport: Organized sport and leagues run by parents, coaches, and organizations; participation has continued to increase

Key Point Decreases in physical activity in the United States are primarily the result of decreases in pickup games.

Athlete-Organized Sport Lots of action for all players Flexible rules Playing and spending time with friends Freedom from adult interference or criticism Results soon forgotten

Discussion What are some results of the beneficial aspects of athlete-organized sport?

Adult-Organized Sport Focus is on skill development, proper positioning. Strict rules and strategies reinforce conformity. Adults choose competition level, arbitrate rule infractions, determine who plays and where.

Key Points In the past 20 years, adult-organized sport increased as youth-organized sport decreased. A lack of knowledge in safety, healthy competition, and emotional needs of kids can do real harm in adult-organized sport. When parental involvement in youth sport is balanced and positive, the athletes can gain more from the sport.

Why Kids Play Sports For fun! Learn and improve skills. Stay in shape and exercise. Do something they are good at. Enjoy excitement of competition. Experience challenge of competition. Hang out with friends.

Discussion What are some of the main reasons children give for dropping out of sport?

Reforms for Youth Sport Bill of Rights for Young Athletes National Council of Youth Sports National Standards for Youth Sports Educational programs for players, officials, coaches, and parents Sportsmanship, decreased pressure Discussion: Do you have suggestions?

Figure 6.1