Youth Sport

Mo'ne Davis

On February 11 and 18, 2016 my American Sport in the 21st Century class learned about organized youth sports and whether or not they are worth the effort. We discussed the topics of origins of organized youth sport, social changes related to youth sport, and the benefits of sport. Youth sport consists of athletes below the age of 18. About 65% of those below 18 compete in at least one organised sport. Below you can view the topics discussed in class:

Origins of organized youth sports

-Organized youth sports emerged in the 20^th century

-The first programs focused on “masculinizing” boys (cooperation and assertion)

-Organized youth sports grew rapidly in many industrialized countries after World War II

-1963 President’s council on physical fitness by president Kennedy

-Kraus Weber 1959 (Difference between American and European youth)

-Programs in the U.S. emphasized competition as preparation for future occupational success

-Girls’ interest generally ignored

Social changes related to the growth of organized youth sports

-Increase in families with both parents working outside the home

-New definitions of what it means to be a “good parent”

-Growing belief that informal activities provide occasions for kids to get into trouble

-Growing belief that the world is a dangerous place for children

-Increased visibility of high performance and professional sports in society

Benefits of sport

-Develops and maintains fitness

-Preparation for adulthood

-Opportunity to learn values

-Teaches interactive skills

-Provides opportunities for leadership

Based on the benefits of sport it can be said that youth sport is worth the effort. If we just left children to play and games they may not get opportunities for leadership or to learn values as youths.  Here you can see the major trends and problems in youth sport today:

Major trends in youth sports today

-Organized youth sport programs have become increasingly privatized

-Organized programs increasingly emphasize performance

-Increased participation in “alternative sports” 

-Questioning of competitive readiness

Major problems in youth sport

-Overemphasis on winning

-Pressures by significant others to achieve success

-Instilling unrealistic goals of stardom or professional status 

-Overuse injuries/overtraining/burnout

UPMC Sports Medicine posted an article titled "Pros and Cons of Youth Sports Participation" on February 1, 2016.  The pros and cons described in this article are very similar to those that we covered in my class.  The article also offers advice for creating a positive experience for youths. 

Full article:

http://share.upmc.com/2016/02/youth-sports-participation/