In my opinion, there is a definite need for reform in youth sports, but one cannot imagine growing up without sports. There are two viewpoints in regard to youth sports and each is correct in their own right Sports can be a wonderful learning experience that results in lifelong friendships. It can be the backbone of good health and physical fitness. Unfortunately, it can also mean constant stress and criticism from parents and/or coaches. There is a “win at all cost” attitude among coaches and fierce competition is wiping the fun out of sports. Critics and advocates alike agree that fun is number one priority. Coaches and parents must remember this. Parents are starting children in organized sports much too soon. Organized sports are beginning at a much earlier age than necessary. Three year olds do not need to be in a soccer league with set games and practice times. Young children need to be engaging in as many different activities that they have available to them. Many professional athletes did not specialize in a sport until they were sixteen, yet the trend is for youngsters to focus on one sport. The more sports a child is taught the more children he/she can interact with and the more skill he/she will learn. The increase in skills will lead to an increase in competence. These assumptions are drawn from several other studies found during the course of this research paper. Dr.Ewing, a sports psychologist, found in her research that sports do promote social and moral development. It was found that sports offer feedback from parents and coaches that allow children to assess their social competences. Dr. Ewing said children also learn to “ take turns with teammates, share playtime, and value rules.” Rules introduce the idea of fairness to children too. Another psychiatrist, Maureen Weiss has demonstrated in over sixty studies that sports raise children’s self esteem and enhance motivation. . These are all very important lessons to a child. There are also answers to the problems that coaches and parents bring. Research noted the importance of trained coaches. Canada and the Netherlands both require their coaches to be CPR certified and to pass a skills test. This should be implemented in the United States too.

The controversies involved in the effects of sports on youth are very important due to the ever-expanding number of participants and programs. It is also important because sports programs are used in community and government projects to deter bad behavior and protect at risk youth. Over three hundred studies have been reviewed that suggest participation in sports produces positive effects to at risk youth. Researchers found an increase in self worth and self esteem, while boredom, delinquent behavior, and hopelessness decreased. However, the effects were short term. A study by Alan Colthart found that at risk youth did participate in fewer recreational activities than non-at-risk-children. One cannot conclude that sports prevent students from being at risk, but that at risk children actually have less opportunity to participate. It actually reiterates the views of the critics of sports and introduces several more factors.

Individuals

Some topics in this essay:
Alan Colthart, Dr Kohn, , Rick Wolff, Youth Sports, Dr Orlick, Eric Margenau, Alfie Kohn, Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, risk youth, professional athletes, youth sports, sports programs, organized sports, sports child, self esteem, american youth, risk youth identify, recreational facilities, critics advocates, programs sports programs, critics advocates alike,