Sports provide a unique opportunity for children to acquire physical, social and personal benefits that can help them throughout their lives. Further, according to data provided in a February 1, 2006 American College of Sports Medicine article "Evidenced Based Physical Activity for School-Age Youth", student athletes generally do better in school. The article also correlated increased physical activity with a resulting positive effect on concentration, memory and classroom behavior. Additionally, sports participation has been associated with a lower drop out rate at the high school level that ultimately has profound social and economic consequences for students and their communities. The benefits of youth sports are extensive.
Benefits of Participating in Youth Sports
Take a look at some of the ways sports can positively influence a child’s development and serve as an avenue for teaching kids valuable life lessons.
Participating in youth sports;
- Builds self-esteem, self-respect and dignity
- Provides social interaction with peers and adults
- Provides an opportunity to develop talents
- Teaches sportsmanship and how to control emotions
- Teaches teamwork
- Shows kids how to play within the rules
- Teaches kids how to deal with adversity by showing them it is alright to make a mistake and giving them the opportunity to learn from mistakes as well as the importance of moving on once a mistake has been made
- Instills self-discipline and an awareness of the value of preparation
- Teaches kids how to deal productively with criticism
- Provides leadership opportunities
- Fosters a sense of community by providing a sense of belonging or the opportunity to be part of a group
- Teaches time management and the value of planning ahead
- Develops skills for handling success and failure
- Provides a stress relief from academic and social pressures
- Provides emotional satisfaction
- Provides an outlet for channeling energy
- Exposes a child/student to exercise that has life long health benefits
- Teaches the importance of safety
Participation in youth sports, whether it be school related or with a local organization, can clearly be a constructive force in the lives of student athletes. It is important that parents and coaches recognize that youth sports presents a unique opportunity for introducing and reinforcing positive life lessons which will prepare our children for the future.
Sports Program Safety and Health Concerns
With strong program leadership, youth programs can build winners not only on the field but off the field as well. When considering a program, safety should always be among the highest priorities of that program.
As a parent, it is important to check with a pediatrician to determine a child's fitness prior to allowing a child to participate in a sport. Doctors can also be an excellent source of information regarding the health benefits of a specific sport as well as a source for safety guidelines.
With so many positive benefits possible, student athletes have much to gain by participating in strong sports programs that value sportsmanship and maintain high, ethical, moral and safety standards.
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