Chapter 9 9 Youth and Community Sport Marlene A. Dixon, University of Texas at Austin Jennifer E. Bruening, University of Connecticut C H A P T E R

Origins and History of Community Sport in North America General trends in community sport history Community sport is at the center of most youth/adult organized sport in US Early Native American communities in North America Used sports as Rites of passage; “youth training for adult experiences” European North Americans Brought into the US the activities of: Hunting, fishing, archery, rowing, rail-splitting, logging

Community Sports Programs Stands at the center of most youth/adult organized sport in US

North American Beginnings: Native American Sport Rituals Used as a “rite of passage” to manhood – used youth training for adult experiences

European Influences in North American Sport Rowing Log Splitting Crew Hunting Fishing Golf Archery

United States Development Sporting Fraternities in Urban Center Billiards Boxing Horse Racing Foot Races These Fraternities were exclusive to wealthy and socially privileged.

Arrival of Voluntary Sport Clubs Began around turn of century with bike craze Swimming Clubs Boxing Curling Biking Rounders Shooting Contests Lumber Jacking

Growth and Governance As sport grew, rules and organization were needed Theodore Roosevelt established National Park Service and the Amateur Athletic Union was founded in 1888

American Youth Sport History Examples of Early Organization for Sports –YMCA, YWCA, PAL, Pop Warner Football, CYO –Little League Baseball/Softball, Soccer in mid 80’s –Definitions and variations of organized youth sport Recent developments and influences NCAA’s new initiatives to support youth development Pro Leagues Programs for exercise (NFL ‘s Play 60)

Governing Organizations

Continuing Youth Sport Questions Should the focus be educational and developmental or elite sport development?  Many feel we are not keeping up with the world Who should govern youth sport?  Should the government be more involved? Who has access to the different kinds of sport opportunities?  How can we create more opportunities for the underrepresented – minorities, poor, girls

Sampling of Community Sport Organizations in North America YMCA: Police Athletic League: Amateur Athletic Union: United States Swimming: National Alliance for Youth Sports:

Definition of Community Sport “Organized physical activity based in community, school, and local sport organizations.” –Community Level (City, county, neighborhood) –School Level (A support, enhance, elem level) –Local sport organizations (profit, non-profit) Encompasses both... –Recreational sport (emphasis on participant) –Competitive sport (traveling teams, championships)

Emphasis on the Participant Differences between sport for the spectator or consumer and sport for participants Management concerns are primarily involving community sport Wants participants to be involved and become developed as people through sport 0a4Ighttps:// 0a4Ig The History of the YMCA (continued)

Emphasis on the Participant (continued) Benefits of sport participation (YMCA belief) Numerous physical benefits as well as benefits to individuals, families, and communities –Quality of life (belonging, esteem) –Family life (family activities, safe child care) –Sense of community and social capital (value and community connection)

Size and Scope of Community Sport Difficult to estimate number of participants 40 to 50 million… Millions in the U.S. and Canada participate at recreational and competitive levels Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association –Track participation numbers for sales reasons –Track the trends in increasing and decreasing demand for a sport or rec. activity

Table 9.2

Management Challenges Structure and delivery systems are varied from community to community Governance of community and youth sport varies from community to community Professional human resource management model can be applied (3 steps) –Begins with planning –Recruiting, selecting volunteers and paid personnel –Training and development

International Sidebar Youth Olympic Sport Development in China –Goals –Systematic feeder system –Schools with traditions in designated sports –Sports schools

Discussion What does the US need to do with youth sports to keep us completive on the international stage? How would your answer effect the athletically talented and the young people with average talent?

Youth Sport Offerings Organized activities are typically structured as classes, instructional leagues, competitive leagues, and after-school programs by community organizations Other private and nonprofit organizations –Offer programming and competitions…skills camps –Provide higher level competition opportunities

Adult Community Sport Offerings Classes: instructional sessions to enhance skill and fitness level Leagues: organized forms of ongoing sport competition Tournaments: organized forms of sport over days and weeks

Youth Sport Careers Job Opportunities in Youth Sport Community Programs City Funded Private Sports Organizations State Charted Organizations National Organizations Sport Camps

Three Review Questions 1.What are the goals and outcomes associated with each youth and community sport sector? 2.How is access to youth and community sport a complex issue in different communities? 3.What challenges exist in managing youth and community sport? How would you meet those challenges?