Youth Sports
If you are raising a child who participates in sports, you have probably noticed that youth sports culture has changed dramatically. Travel teams book tournaments hundreds of miles away, elementary school kids “try out” for teams, and specialization at younger and younger ages is the new norm. In the 80’s and 90’s most youth sports teams were cheap and local, but now it seems everyone wants to play travel or “select”, and both the financial cost and the time commitment are exorbitant.
While the cost, pressure, and time commitment are concerning, there are also positive aspects. Tweens and teenagers spending weekends away with parents and teammates at tournaments can provide safe and healthy experiences for children. Traveling with a familiar group of kids and parents over the years can provide a strong community to support kids through the most challenging years of adolescence.
What should parents think about when signing their kids up for youth sports? Research has demonstrated that early sports specialization can lead to overuse injuries previously only seen in adults. Pressure to turn sports into scholarship money can put undue stress on kids. Teens who have been focusing singularly on a particular sport may burn out before ever realizing that scholarship goal and have missed out on exploring other activities.
Another potential drawback is the culture of drinking that often surrounds tournament play. Many families report excessive drinking by parents at tournaments. This models risky substance use habits increasing the risk for early experimentation with substances for youth.
If you are a parent of a child playing youth sports, ask yourself a few questions to check in about how it is working for your child and family.
Is my child eager to participate?
Is the coach a positive adult figure in my child’s life?
Can our family afford the cost of this activity?
How does this activity fit with our family values?
How do weekends away impact our family?
Have I given my child the option to opt-out or choose differently?
Participation in youth sports can be a positive experience at casual or intense levels. Choose the path that best fits your child and family.