Youth Sport in the U.S. Notes

Youth Sport in the U.S.

Learning Outcomes

• History of Youth Sport
• Current Status of youth participation
• Athlete Organized vs. Adult Organized Sport
• Reasons young people playing sports
• Potential solutions to current issues in youth sport: Burnout, Politics, Injuries and Obesity

History of Youth Sport - Origins in U.S.

• Began as pure playing of games instituted by kids and typically without oversight.
• “Let’s go the park, playground, street corner
• Games reflected the area (Rural, Urban, Suburban) they played in: Stickball, Fishing, Canoing, etc.

History - Organized Sport Becomes National

• 1940’s/50’s Little League enters as organized sport
• YMCA’s and other organizations also grow throughout country.
• Basketball and Volleyball created
• Schools enhance physical education in the schools
• More focus on Boys vs. Girls

History - 1970’s Title IX

• As women grow in equality so do opportunities for girls in youth sports.
• Girls now introduced to new sports:
  • Softball
  • Lacrosse
  • Soccer

History - 1990’s The “Soccer-Mom”

• As women in the work force grows to some 71% - more organized sports leagues grow to give kids a healthy outlet while parent’s at work after school.
• “The latchkey kid is born”

History - 2000’s

• Travel Teams, Personal Trainers, Premier Teams increase the competition for kids.
• Many parents now willing to pay substantial income to place their kids in team travel leagues, personal trainers, some feel a way to ensure college scholarship that will save money in the long run.
• Repetitive Injuries dramatically increase – elective surgeries also increase
• Although participation rises, burnout rates skew much younger
• Some kids forced to choose high school vs. travel team
• Job opportunities grow - IMG SPORTS ACADEMIES - 60,000

Current Status of Youth Sport

• Although participation at an all time high, it is skewed to younger kids as most quit (70%) by age 14.
• Boys and Girls team sports are declining
• Physical Education being reduced nationwide

Current Status - Decreased Physical Activity

• On a whole children spend more time indoors than ever: Video Games, TV, Computer
• Partly due to parent’s growing concern for welfare of their kids: Afraid to let just go out and play.

Current Status - Obesity

• Obesity in youth on the rise
  • 31.7% Nationwide
  • African American Females most highly affected
  • WHY? – Cultural, Economic Factors, also can be attributed to the economy

Organized Youth Sport

• Soccer Growing fastest followed by Lacrosse in U.S.
• Baseball Declining
• Individual Sports – Skating, Golf, Tennis – Staying Same

Athlete Organized Sport (Kids Rules)

• Older kids choose sides and often resolve disputes
• Kids learn where they stand by peers
• Rules often amended – Do-Overs, gimme, etc.
• Might change teams if too dominant

Adult Organized Sport

• Kids Learn:
  • Skills of the Game
  • Rules of the Game
  • Proper Playing of Positions
  • Importance of following directions, strategy and training: stretching, etc.
• Parents Role
  • Better picture of experience and counsel when problems arise
  • Should end when game/activity ends – don’t bring home
  • Better overall picture of where their child is developmentally, socially and emotionally

Why Kids Play and Stop Playing

• 38% No longer Fun
• 31% Focus turned to school
• 28% Injury/Health Issue
• 20% The Coach!

What Kids Observed While Playing

• 31% Saw parents yelling at umpires, coaches or officials
• 30% Didn’t get to play as much as they wanted
• 27% Heard bad language by adults
• 23% Had coaches too focused on winning
• 21% Had teammates who insulted them

Burnout: What is it and what are the root causes.

• Reaction to Chronic Stress
• Leads to true illness
• Can have long term effects psychologically!!
• Year round play
• Pressure to perform and win
• Parental Pressure

Reforms – What Can Be Done?

• Quality Environment
• Emphasis on Fun
• Training and Accountability by Parents/Coaches
• Screening Process
• Sportsmanship
• Equal Play Opportunity

Reforms

• Economic Reform
• Social Reform
• Other? (Open for discussion)