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Problems in Youth Sports Today – Big Shocker It’s the Parents & the Adults

By on April 25, 2015

 

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=1009&sid=34326118SALT LAKE CITY — It is estimated that over 21.5 million children between the ages of 6 and 17 play team sports. This data, collected by ESPN, also found that 60 percent of boys and 47 percent of girls are already on teams by age 6.

ESPN’s research also indicates the No. 1 reason a child quits a team sport is because he or she was not having fun.

Why are these children not having fun? With obesity being a health epidemic in America, shouldn’t adults be trying to ensure that the children are enjoying active participation in sporting programs?

It’s well-documented that parents can get out of hand at games and anyone who has sat on the sideline of a game, whether recreational or competitive, can understand why many of these children are not having fun. Simply put: the adults are ruining it for the children. The actions of some parents and coaches are taking all the fun out of sports.

Here are four problems youth sports programs are facing:

1. Focus is on winning, not on having fun

Many have lost perspective about why team sports were started. The U.S. Youth Soccer organization states its “mission is to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth. Our job is also to make it fun, and instill in young players a lifelong passion for the sport.” Read more…

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