How Youth Sports Have Changed and At What Cost- Part II

Kids are being told that they have to specialize and focus on one sport by the time they are 10 years old in order to get a sports scholarship to college. This has increased stress related injuries in a lot younger ages as a result of overdoing it on their still developing bodies. The overuse on the kids physically and mentally has created an entire generation of youth to completely burn out by the time they reach middle school or high school which is a real shame.

This increased intensity of athletics at a younger age is also seen by the coaches and the parents as well. There have been several incidents when parents become unruly at their children’s games or competitions that they cause issues with their inappropriate behaviors and have to be kicked out. Because of this, most schools and youth leagues now require parents to sign a contract for acting in a well mannered way. Coaching has also become more demanding for children. In the past a parent would volunteer to coach and that was much appreciated. Today parents are hiring private coaches and personal trainers to have their kid to be the best athlete ever. The amount of money parents now spend on their children’s athletic pursuits is sky high.

Perhaps, people will realize that kids need to be kids and don’t need the physical or mental stress that is being put on them athletically by their coaches and parents.

Check back next week for another great coaching article.