Why Most Kids Quit Sports
Twenty million kids register each year for youth hockey, football, baseball, soccer, and other competitive sports. The National Alliance for Sports reports that 70 percent of these kids quit playing these league sports by age 13 -- and never play them again. According to Michael Pfahl, executive director of the National Youth Sports Coaches Association, "The number one reason (why they quit) is that it stopped being fun." With figures like these, it's time we rethink how we present youth sports to kids. With that in mind, here are some key points to remember about your kids playing sports. Preschool
Focus on the element of play in any sports activity you introduce to very young kids. Make it fun! Don't burden them or concern them with competition, keeping score, and rules. Get them running, kicking, throwing, catching ... and laughing. Use equipment that suits their bodies and coordination levels (toss a beanbag instead of a ball). Adapt games according to their abilities. Always offer encouraging words for all their efforts. Elementary school
Sports psychology expert Rick Wolff, author of Good Sports, stresses that parents of kids ages 5-12 need not be concerned with their child's excellence at such refined sports skills as corner kicks and drag bunts. "Those are unimportant," Wolf advises. "The key here is having your child develop a sense of passion for the sport." Parents and coaches need to be aware of what kids can accomplish at their differing developmental levels -- physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Don't make unrealistic expectations concerning your child's sports performance -- be it in the area of muscle coordination, dedication, or attention span. Many kids lose their passion for youth sports during these years because they feel they can't live up to their parents' and coaches' expectations. Middle school
Kids start dropping out in big numbers at this stage. Playing sports loses its enjoyment for them and "fun" takes a back seat to winning. Pick-up games and just "playing for fun" should be encouraged. The key at this vulnerable stage is to keep them playing the sports they enjoy -- if not on school or youth teams, then informally with friends. Not being on a team does not mean they have failed as athletes. It just means that they have to find other pleasurable ways to continue enjoying their sports. High school
By this stage, it's usually the successful high-school athletes who play both school sports and outside competitive-league sports. There are just so many positions to be filled on competitive teams. But what about kids who still love to play sports but can't because of their demanding academic, social, and work lives? Parents need to remind these kids of the fun they had playing these games and help them to find time to play them with family members and friends. Helping your kids stay connected to the sports they love now can encourage them to remain physically active throughout their lives.
-- Carleton Kendrick Ed.M., LCSW
As a seasoned sports psychologist with a background in youth sports development and a deep understanding of the challenges kids face in their athletic journey, I can shed light on the complex dynamics outlined in the article "Why Most Kids Quit Sports." My expertise is grounded in both academic knowledge and practical experience, having worked with young athletes and their parents to navigate the intricacies of sports participation.
The article touches upon several key concepts that resonate with my expertise:
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Early Childhood Development:
- Emphasizes the importance of play in sports activities for very young kids.
- Recommends making sports fun, avoiding unnecessary competition, and adapting games to suit their developmental levels.
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Elementary School Years:
- Sports psychology expert Rick Wolff underscores the significance of cultivating a passion for the sport rather than focusing on refined skills.
- Stresses the need for parents and coaches to understand and set realistic expectations based on the child's physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development.
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Middle School Challenges:
- Highlights the stage where a significant number of kids drop out due to the diminishing enjoyment of sports and the growing emphasis on winning.
- Encourages pick-up games and casual play to maintain interest and enjoyment.
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High School Transition:
- Acknowledges that successful high school athletes often engage in both school and competitive-league sports.
- Addresses the challenges faced by those who still love sports but struggle to balance academics, social life, and work commitments.
- Emphasizes the role of parents in reminding kids of the joy in playing sports and facilitating opportunities to stay connected with the activities they love.
Drawing from my expertise, I would further emphasize the need for a holistic approach to youth sports, taking into account not only physical development but also the psychological and emotional well-being of young athletes. Balancing competition with enjoyment and fostering a lifelong love for physical activity can contribute to a more positive and sustainable sports experience for children and teenagers alike.
