Research shows that playing youth sports can enhance social and physical development, but it doesn't do this automatically, nor is it likely when programs are not organized to match the overall maturational level of children who play in them (Coakley, 2009). Coakley and Dr. Laura Purcell, author of the article above, both agree that physical activities are a good thing for children of all ages. Not all children mature and are ready for organized games at the same time. Through Coakley and Dr. Purcell's research, each individual parent should look at their child and their personal development. They should not expect that their child is ready to participate in organized sports just because they are a certain age. Childrens' motor development varies and each sport requires a certain physical skill set to participate.
Another aspect in competitive readiness in children would be their maturity level. Not all children are able to be patient enough to learn the proper way to participate in a sport along with the rules that go along with each individual sport. Children should participate in informal play until they are able to make the cognitive decision of what formal sport they personally want to participate in.
Parents' should keep their child physically active while growing up but not force them into organized sport. Also, parents and coaches should be careful on how hard they are on youth athletes to prevent them from burning out. The worst case scenario for a young athlete would be to be pushed away from a sport that they enjoy to participate in by over zealous parents and ruthless coaches.
Youth sports programs in the United States are diverse, and some offer children opportunities for pleasure, healthy exercise, friendships, and learning about achievement and teamwork in structured activities (Cote and Fraser-Thomas, 2007; Fullinwider, 2006). This should be the main focus of youth sports as well as not forcing children into sports until they are physically and mentally mature and capable of participation.
Cote, Jean, and Jessica L. Fraser-Thomas. 2007. Youth involvement in sport. In P.R.E. Crocker(ed.), Introduction to sport phychology:A Canadian perspective(pp.266-294). Toronto: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Coakley, J. (2009). Sports in society. New York, New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Purcell, L. (2005, July-August 10). Sport readiness in children and youth. Pediatrics and Child Health, Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2722975
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