The Conflict with Team Sports

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The Conflict with Team Sports

• By Amanda Willer
• Central Michigan University
• http//www.nytimes.com/2003/11/12/sports/12TRAV.ht
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Organized Sports

• 40 million children participate in U.S.
• Cultural phenomenon excesses and successes
• Can sometimes lead to overburdened children

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Single Sport Concentration

• Beginning as early as grade school
• Pressure children to be the best
• Participate on up to three teams
• May lead to school athletic problems
• May lead to dual-sport participation contracts

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School Sport Governing Boards

• Travel teams vs. school sports
• Prohibit travel teams during school season
• Sometimes leads to lawsuits!

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Dual-Sport Participation Contract

• Contracted after girl tore knee ligaments
• Limits practicing with both teams daily

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The Players

• Talented, terrific players but very hardened
• Most extremely exhausted
• Dont express the joy anymore
• Act and play like little professionals
• Sleep on the way to another event

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The Players (cont.)

• Although tired, very good students
• Sports help children develop socially
• Those who play sports shine academically
• Games keep children out of trouble

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Sports Add Important Attributes

• You cant learn everything in school.
• Stronger person
• Social skills
• Self-esteem
• Very rewarding

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Is it the Parents?

• Critics say parents are ultra-competitive
• Parents have unrealistic expectations
• Feel pressured year-round competition
• Have expenses travel teams, private coaches

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Club Sports Could Take Over

• Education budgets clubs take over teams
• Schools save on equipment, coaching salaries
• Already happening in Euro-Asia
• Downside club teams expensive
• Pay-for-Play agenda

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Club Team Controversy

• Lack of academic behavioral standards
• Lack of precautionary safety regulations
• Pitch 100 innings in three weeks?

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Culture of Competition

• Intensity of travel, club teams
• Americans compete zealously
• Baby-boomer parents ambitious,
  transfer to kids