About Children in Sports

Discover the pros and cons about children playing sports. Youth athletic activities are typically designed to teach children about aspects of a team environment, healthy living and the basics of sport. While participating in sports, children increase physical abilities, form bonds with teammates and participate in exercise and conditioning drills. While sports are an inherently healthy activity, highly competitive programs or lack of down time may cause stress in young athletes.

  1. Youth Sports

    • Youth programs are typically coed until the the second grade. After boys begin to develop enhanced upper-body strength, leagues are commonly organized into single-sex teams. Children's athletic teams can be either instructional or competitively based. Instructional leagues typically do not require tryouts, may choose not to keep score and require coaches to play each child during a game. Competitive or tournament teams generally travel to plays teams from different school districts, require tryouts and play children based solely upon performance.

    Recrational Leagues

    • Athletic programs for children who have not yet reached middle school age are typically organized by adult volunteers or nonprofit recreational leagues. A fee will likely be charged for participation. While the fee will vary, it typically goes to cover the costs of uniforms, sports equipment, game officials and facility rental. School affiliated programs typically do not charge a participation fee, but are not common for elementary age students. Many school districts allow local youth recreational sports programs to use the school's gyms and athletic fields for games. The level of supervision and training of the coaching staff is determined by the recreational league rules. Typically, all coaches and volunteers are required to undergo a criminal background check before working with students.

    Mayo Clinic

    • The Mayo Clinic encourages early participation in athletic activity to prevent obesity and encourage personal fitness. According to the clinic, children are physically prepared to participate in organized sports around age 6 or 7. Children can typically follow coaching instructions and have the level or coordination required to be a part of an athletic team. According to the Mayo Clinic, youngsters at 8 and older are typically ready for contact sports, providing they have the necessary protective equipment.

    American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

    • The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry offers tips for parents of child athletes. The association attempts to guide parents to recognize increasing stress levels and negative behavior changes during an athletic season. The group cautions parents to show respectful behavior at athletic events, encourage talking about experiences at practices and games and have realistic expectations.