Youth Sports Mandatory Research

The benefits of youth sports participation are numerous. Development of sportsmanship skills, team spirit, socialization skills, and overall fitness and health are some of the wonderful advantages of having a child begin to participate in a sport at a young age. However, DiFiori (2014) discusses an unfortunate misconception some parents and coaches have of their child’s “readiness for sports”. He states this is the relationship between a child’s growth, development, and the demands or level of the sport regardless of their “chronological age”. When this is disregarded, youth athletes quickly become discouraged and may leave a sport they may have otherwise enjoyed (pp. 1-2). Parents and coaches must keep expectations realistic for their child or team participants. The foundation for the love of sports begins at a young age, and the first step is maintaining participation that is fun and play-like before advancing to more competitive teams.

When introductory sports become more organized team sports, it is imperative parents and coaches remain educated on the

380).

This list illustrates the serious consideration these respected groups have taken to research this complex topic and the many resources of information available for parents and coaches. Brenner (2007) puts into perspective the fundamental fact that should not be forgotten in this argument; the end-goal of the athlete themselves. Ideally, the fitness, skills, and sportsmanship qualities gained from participation in youth sports will carry on into adulthood. Those youth athletes labeled “elite” must be “mentored” by properly educated parents and coaches who are aware of signs of psychological burnout and overuse injuries. These “mentors” must also remain realistic in keeping future goals focused on what the athlete desires, not what dreams they are trying to fulfill for themselves (p.