Youth Sport in the U.S.

History of Youth Sport

• Origins in the U.S. began as informal games played by kids without oversight.
• In the 1940s/50s, organized sports like Little League and YMCA programs grew.
• Title IX in the 1970s increased opportunities for girls in sports.
• 1990s saw the rise of organized sports leagues due to more working parents.
• 2000s: Increased competition led to travel teams, personal trainers, and higher costs, also increased injuries and burnout.

Current Status of Youth Sport in the U.S.

• Participation is high but declines significantly after age 14 (70% quit).
• Team sports are declining, and physical education is being reduced.
• Children spend more time indoors, contributing to decreased physical activity and rising obesity (31.7% nationwide).

Organized Youth Sport

• Fastest growing sports: Soccer and Lacrosse.
• Baseball is declining.
• Individual sports participation remains steady.

Athlete vs. Adult Organized Sport

• Athlete Organized: Kids make the rules and resolve disputes.
• Adult Organized: Kids learn skills, rules, positions, strategy, and the importance of training.

Why Kids Play and Stop Playing Sports

• Top reasons for quitting: No longer fun (38%), focus on school (31%), injury/health issues (28%), and issues with the coach (20%).
• Negative experiences: Parents yelling at officials, not enough playing time, bad language by adults, coaches too focused on winning, teammates being insulting.

Burnout

• Reaction to chronic stress, leading to illness and psychological effects.
• Causes: Year-round play, pressure to perform and win, and parental pressure.

Reforms

• Create a quality environment with emphasis on fun.
• Improve training and accountability for parents/coaches.
• Implement a screening process, promote sportsmanship, and ensure equal play opportunity.