What is your kid doing in sports?

     Obviously, there is the current awareness that kids don’t play like they used to.  For a bunch of reasons the old days of kids going out to play until the street lights went on or their father whistled out there door to signify that dinner was ready is long gone.  As a parent, I could understand that the times have changed and that even though my son is only 5, I am a little wary of sending him out and not worrying about his safety.  I’m sure some neighborhoods are different than others but I have a feeling that this feeling is pretty common. 

     With that said, there is this big push by parents to get their kids involved with organized sports.  My point is not against that idea however it is to open your eyes to the type of sport participation that they should be exposed to.  Unfortunately, with the increase in all of these new leagues and programs, kids start as young as 3-4 in organized sports.  Also, with more programs there is a  greater demand of unqualified coaches.  These coaches usually becomes the only volunteer parent(s) that can contribute their time to these programs.  And as much as I praise parents and other coaches that volunteer for these positions (because they are a big committment), I have seen first hand how these coaches (or sport situations because I really can’t blame a parent who is volunteering their time, unless he/ she is a real J.O.) can become the beginning of the end for many kids going out for sports for the first time. 

    Many times it isn’t even the coaches fault.  Coaching young kids that really have no idea of what they’re doing and have such a huge  discrepancy in size, speed, skill level, coordination, and focus levels.  Than you throw in parents who think their kids are the next coming of Derek Jeter, Peyton Manning, or Lebron James and you have the perfect storm for coaches that let the “power of the coach” get to their head and become the Vince Lombardi to a bunch of 5 year olds.

    It is obvious that we have a problem in society when we have more information, sport programs, training programs, and advances in sport and training equipment and we are still seeing more and more kids become obese because of their non-participation in sports or any athletic activities.  And my theory is simple.  It’s not the huge advances of video games, use of computers, or fact that there is a McDonald’s’ on every corner.  Our society places too much pressure on kids, especially at a young age, that they are turned off from sports and would rather play video games than get yelled at to get in the huddle or to keep their eye on the ball. 

   It stems from the lack of education/ awareness of coaches and/ or parents to understand that it’s not only the physical component of athletic development for a child but the mental component.  Kids don’t understand or need to focus on the little details of sport skill development.  If one kid is better than another is doesn’t matter, things will change 3 times before they get in high school.  The important thing is to provide a positive experience for young athletes.  Teach them the basics of the game.  It’s not about who wins or loses but the experience that they will keep with them forever.  And I am not understating that.  There are probably deep rooted issues between all of us that stem from something done in our growing years.  Keep kids excited about playing games and they will grow up active and confident in themselves. 

   Now, I also understand there is an importance to provide discipline, learn the concept of practice and perseverance, and abide by rules while playing on a team.  But these values can be taught through positive reinforcement, redirection, and a swift ass kicking when necessary (just kidding of course).  There is a strong need to improve the quality of teaching and coaching the youth of today.  And there are many movements to increase this type of awareness through youth coaching organizations, certifications and local clinics (www.iyca.org).  The  more that people, parents and coaches are aware of the problem the greater opportunity for your kids and their kids to become fit, active, and hopefully successful athletes in their lives.

Make A Change

DS

For great youth programs visit www.sports-u.com.  All programs are designed and overseen by Don Sellari, CSCS.