Written by Keaton Scott, Edmond, OK. Follow Keaton on Twitter @K_eagle
Childhood is an important time of life, a time when children are developing into functional human beings. Participating in youth sports can be an important part of the maturing process. As David Bornstein points out: “Sports can be enormously influential.” But some parents aren’t enthusiastic about having children participate in youth sports.
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The reality is this: sports participation contributes to youth development. Here’s how.
Based on studies done by the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention Julie Fidler reports that “teens who play on a sports team significantly cut their chances of being overweight or obese.” There are social benefits, too, Fidler says. Based on a study conducted at the University of Michigan “students who engage in sports at a young age develop strong bonds with teammates.”
And it’s not just what sports enables. It’s also what they minimize. That’s the finding of a national study (2012) of over 10,000 high school students. Young men and women who played on sports teams during youth were less likely to participate in high-risk behaviors, such as marijuana use, drinking and depression.
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Adult mentoring is another contribution of youth sports. Martin Camire writes: “Adult coaches can exert considerable influence on young athletes’ development.” Having a strong adult influence at a young age can give children somebody to go to for advice.
Finally–and notably–competing in sports has a strong impact on educational attainment. Lindsay Bloom reports that kids who participate in youth sports are “74% less likely to drop out when they reach high school.”
Are there negative consequences associated with youth sports participation? Yes. Mary Sagas asserts that “significant negative consequences on the development of a young athlete can take effect over time.” These consequences include injuries, burnout, stress, and issues associated with conforming to others’ expectations, including from parents.
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Overall, though, positives associated with sports participation outweigh negatives. Sports offer experiences for youth that can become everlasting memories. And consider the aggregate effects if all children took part in youth athletic competition. There would be less obesity; children would have adult role models; long-lasting friendships would be forged; and high school dropout rates would go down.
Sports are an important part of youth. Let’s the kids compete!
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References
Bloom, Lindsey C. “The Impact of Coaching.” The Online Journal of Sport Psychology, 2006. 1-11. Ball State University. Ebschost. Web. 24 Mar. 2015.
Bornstein, David. “The Power of Positive Coaching.” New York: The New York Times, 2011. 1-7. Web. 24 Mar. 2015.
Camire, Martin. “Examining High School Teachers-Coaches Perspective on Relationship-Building with Student Athletes.” International Sports Coaching Journal, 2014. 1-8. University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.
Fidler, Julie A. “Do Sports Affect a Teenager’s Life.” Demand Media, 2012. 1-2. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Web. 24 Mar. 2015.
Sagas M., What does the science say about athletic development in children? 1-3. Research Brief, University of Florida Sport Policy & Research Collaborative for the Aspen Institute Sports & Program’s Project Play. 13 Sept. 2013.
