Why Children Play Sports Dr. Aubrey H. Fine

Theories Explaining Why Children Play in Sports Piagetian Theory –Play as an area in which children can refine their developing skills Social Learning Theory –Children may play and learn sports from watching others Arousal Theory –Sports are played as a stimulus- seeking behavior

When children are at play they are, by definition, engaged in an experience that is inherently meaningful.

Results of Recreation & Leisure Principal source of perceived quality of life Reduces feelings of helplessness Sense of self-efficacy and empowerment

The 10 Most Important Reasons Why Children Play a School Sport 1)To have fun 2)To improve my skills 3)To stay in shape 4)To do something I’m good at 5)For the excitement

The 10 Most Important Reasons Why Children Play a School Sport – con’t To get exercise To play as part of a team For the challenge of competition To learn new skills To win

The 11 Most Important Reasons Children Stop Playing a Sport 1)I lost interest 2)I was not having fun 3)It took too much time 4)Coach was a poor teacher 5)Too much pressure

The 11 Most Important Reasons Children Stop Playing a Sport – con’t 6)Wanted non-sport activity 7)I was tired of it 8)Needed more time to study 9)Coach played favorites 10) Sport was boring 11)Overemphasis on winning

The Eight Essential Lessons of Sports: Wisdom for Growth

Eight Essential Lessons Lesson 1 – Learning to cope with failure Lesson 2 – Developing a sense of commitment Lesson 3 – Handling Fear Lesson 4 – Handling Frustration

Eight Essential Lessons – con’t Lesson 5 – Being part of the team Lesson 6 – Handling embarrassment Lesson 7 – Handling competition Lesson 8 – Handling adjustments

Influential Words and Beliefs in Sports: A Formula for Longevity & Everyday Living

Influential Words 1)Five most important words – Surround yourself with good people 2)Four most important words – Take care of yourself or I can handle it 3)Three most important words – Class, character, concern 4)Two most important words – Thank you or I can 5)Single most important word - we

Influential Words – con’t 1)Least important word – I 2)Two worst words – I quit 3)Three worst words – I don’t care 4)Four worst words – Everybody is doing it 5)Five worst words – Let somebody else do it