by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers Youth Sports Chapter 14 Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

Overview of Youth Sports As many as 35 to 40 million youth between ages 6 and 18 participate in sports. Potential benefits: Academics Health-related physical fitness Moral development and self-esteem Prosocial values Deterrence to negative behaviors Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

Trends in Participation Earlier and greater participation Female involvement (Title IX) Involvement in nontraditional sport activities Participation by individuals with disabilities Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

Longitudinal History of Interscholastic Sport Participation, 1971–2014 Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers Most Popular Interscholastic Sports— for Boys and Girls (Source: NFSHSA[2014]) Sport Number of participants Sport Number of participants Listed from most to least popular. Note that the number of participants is partly determined by the number allowed on a team. Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

Reasons to Participate “Emphasis should be on involvement, skill development, and enjoyment of doing the skills. Winning and receiving awards for playing . . . are of secondary importance to the participant’s enjoyment. . . . Each child should be provided an opportunity to develop his or her skills, be provided with a reasonable challenge, and be afforded an opportunity for personal accomplishment and satisfaction.” —Wankel and Kreisel, 1985, pp. 62–63 Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

Reflecting on Participating in Youth Sports Did you participate in sports when you were in school? Did you enjoy the experience? Why or why not? After looking at Table 14.3 on page 315 of the text, do you agree with the reasons for playing that are listed there? Would you reorder the list? Would you add or remove any items? Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

Competence Motivation Theory A positive motivational climate significantly contributes to sustained sport participation. Coaches, teachers, and parents should provide good social support and positive feedback. Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers Dropping Out of Sports Interpersonal problems Pursue other leisure activities Excessive stress No longer fun Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

Reflecting on Dropping Out of Youth Sports If you participated in sports while you were in school, did you eventually drop out? Why or why not? After looking at Table 14.4 on page 316 of the text, do you agree with the reasons for dropping out that are listed there? Would you reorder the list? Would you add or remove any items? What could you say or do to discourage a younger sibling, niece/nephew, or other young person from dropping out of a sport? Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

Controversies Around Youth Sports Medical issues Football injuries/ concussions Baseball Soccer In-line skating and skateboarding Overuse injuries Nutrition: Making weight and eating disorders Psychological issues Competitive stress Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

Prevalence of Youth Football Injuries by Grade Level Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

Factors to Consider in the Prevention of Injuries Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

Stress Model in Relation to Sport (from Passer, 1982) Stages: Situation Appraisal Emotional response Consequences The development of stress and potential behavioral outcomes Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

Reducing Competitive Stress Increase opportunities for success Use skill training De-emphasize contest outcomes Encourage realistic goal setting Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers Youth Sport Coaching Who is coaching? Mostly volunteers; not many women Coaching certification programs Guidelines for effective coaching Should enhance the youth sport experience Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

Selected Guidelines for Effective Coaching Philosophy of winning: Convey that winning is not everything Reactions to desirable behaviors: Be generous with positive reinforcement Reactions to mistakes: Give encouragement and correction instruction Reactions to misbehaviors/lack of attention: Establish clearly understood team rules Own behaviors: Set a good example Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers Parental Education To curb violent behavior of angry parents Parents Association for Youth Sports (PAYS) 40-minute training session for parents Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

National Standards for Youth Sports Quality sports environment Fun Training and accountability Screening process Parents’ commitment Sportsmanship Safe playing environment Equal play opportunity Free of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and performance enhancers Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

Position Statements on Recommended Practices for Youth Sports See, for example: American Academy of Pediatrics (2015), “Tackling in youth football” American Academy of Pediatrics (2001), “Organized sports for children and preadolescents” American College of Sports Medicine (2007), “The female athlete triad” Copyright © 2016 by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers