Youth in Competitive Sports
Practice Problem #1 2020-21 Competition Year
Topic Descriptor
Millions of children around the world participate in competitive youth sports every year. Involvement in organized sports teaches many essential life skills – teamwork, confidence, the value of hard work, and discipline. While some competitive sports promote activity and a healthy lifestyle, others build skills such as mental agility. The hyper-competitiveness of youth sports raises concerns that children are pushed too hard to win and succeed. The sports options for youth are also evolving, as competitive e-sports emerge. Competitive sports can heighten aggression, pressure to win, and put children – who are still growing and developing – at risk for injuries. In many places, increasing costs of club sport-memberships and insurance exclude those who need social interaction and fitness the most. The costs of maintaining and running facilities can also limit the accessibility for youth. How much should we push young people to participate in competitive sports? Do the benefits of structured competition outweigh the costs of over-competitive behavior and possible injury? How does participation in sports impact the well being of youth and their families?
Can we change the culture of Youth in Competitive Sports?
Do you think our youth are in emotional and physical danger due to competitive sports?
What are the Pros and Cons of Competitive Sports?
Examine the two articles below. As you read and discuss with your team, complete the T-Chart on the Pros and Cons of Competitive Sports!
What is the Price of Competitive Sports?
- Write 4 Step 1 Challenges from ideas you obtained from the video!
- What is the most significant challenge that stands out to you and your team?
- Make this significant issue an Underlying Problem. Make sure you include all the parts of the UP!
- Brainstorm 4 solutions to your UP based on the video.
The Price of Youth Sports (Full Segment) | Real Sports w/ Bryant Gumbel | HBO
A Different Point of View...
How playing sports benefits your body ... and your brain - Leah Lagos and Jaspal Ricky Singh
A Youth's Perspective...
The Lessons That Competitive Youth Sports Are Losing | Erin Keating | TEDxYouth@DHS
Do your kids play for the LOVE of the game?
Is sports specialization the right play?
Do youth REALLY learn teamwork playing sports?
Is FUN the key element in your child's youth sports team?
Foot-base-sket-putt-er Ball
A competitive sports game you can play in class, or online in digital session!
how to fold a paper football