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

2. 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
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by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

3. Trends in Participation
Earlier and greater participation
Female involvement (Title IX)
Involvement in nontraditional sport activities
Participation by individuals with disabilities
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4. Longitudinal History of Interscholastic Sport Participation, 1971–2014
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5. 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.
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by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

6. 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
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by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

7. 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?
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by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

8. 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.
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9. by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers
Dropping Out of Sports
Interpersonal problems
Pursue other leisure activities
Excessive stress
No longer fun
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by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers

10. 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?
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11. 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
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12. Prevalence of Youth Football Injuries by Grade Level
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13. Factors to Consider in the Prevention of Injuries
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14. Stress Model in Relation to Sport (from Passer, 1982)
Stages:
Situation
Appraisal
Emotional response
Consequences
The development of stress and potential behavioral outcomes
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15. Reducing Competitive Stress
Increase opportunities for success
Use skill training
De-emphasize contest outcomes
Encourage realistic goal setting
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16. 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
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17. 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
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18. 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
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19. 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
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20. 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”
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by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers