Youth Kids In Sports – Why Isn’t It Working Better?
Youth Soccer News – why do kids drop out of team sports? Here are the reasons from Ohio University’s Master of Athletic Administration Program.
Over 7.8 million children participated in high school sports throughout the 2014-2015 academic year. While this might seem impressive, many sports are actually facing a slow decline.
According to Ohio University’s Master of Athletic Administration Program, even popular sports have not been spared from this emerging phenomenon.
- For instance, football is down 2.4% and basketball has fallen by 1.9% compared to the numbers in 2008.
- In baseball’s Little League, the drop rate has been 2% per year since 2002.
What’s most concerning with the decline in participation is the fact that youth and interscholastic sports are vital for our youth, and not only for their physical health. What does the future hold?
To learn more, checkout the infographic below, created by Ohio University’s Online Master’s in Athletic Administration program.
Reasons for the Decrease
Ohio University’s Master of Athletic Administration Program says “Among the contributing factors identified are inactivity, screen time, obesity, and aggressive coaching. Around 20% of children between 6 years old and 12 years old are largely sedentary. This appears to persist until they reach their teens.”
NewsFlash – Children spend a great deal of their time in front of screens rather than playing outside.
- Screen time was measured at 27 hours and 29 minutes per week on average.
- Slightly less for teens at 24 hours and 29 minutes per week.
Thus, it may come as no surprise that obesity is taking hold much earlier these days with 17.9% of children and 19.4% of teens having the condition.
And, what is the #1 reason kids think about quitting sports?
About 73% of those surveyed in a study said they have experienced being yelled at by a coach. After the incident, 40% of them thought about quitting.
Why Play Team Sports?
- 88% experience an improvement in physical health and
- 73% say that it enhanced their mental health.
What is stopping kids?
- 2.6 million people under 19 are treated for sports and recreation related injuries annually.
- If the risk can be reduced, then more parents are going to encourage their kids to play.
Any Good news?
- The good news is that girls’ participation in high school sports has risen 18% since the year 2000
Obviously, we can all work together to improve the situation and create a more positive environment for kids to feel safe and be safer. Let’s all do what we can…. Of course, we think soccer is a great sport for kids – and with the wide choices from AYSO, US Youth Soccer, US Club and U.S. Soccer Development Academy — there are plenty of options.
For more information, visit Ohio University Online
