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Youth Sports Participation Rate Dropping

Sports Opinion
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"We have all attended games or seen film clips of youth coaches ranting and raving at their young charges as if they were pro adults."

Sadly, the trend in the last few decades in youth sports seem to indicate fewer and fewer youth are participating. Much of the problem seems to be self-inflicted. All of this is on the heels of our battles with obesity among our youth, as well as adults. A change in the attitude toward the purpose of youth sports goes a long way in being the problem. This change began to take place in the 80's when the salaries of our pro athletes began to escalate. There has always been the natural progression of dropping out for other interests along the way but the sad part is when our youth that want to continue are discouraged from doing so and drop out. Youth and school sports should encourage the participants to continue their love of the sport into their adulthood. It is seldom a dropout picks up the sport in adulthood. In addition, our youth (not to mention our adults) have taken up the more sedentary lifestyle of digital games/information and they need more incentive to be active in sports activities rather than less.

A couple of months ago a survey came out that polled participants as to why they were dropping out of sports. The three areas fell under the categories of cost, coaches/parents and fear of injury. No doubt we all have encountered situations that fall under all of those reasons.

The expense of playing today can be astronomical. When those pro salaries began to become unimaginable, parents and kids began to dream of those same big bucks and their desire to play for the love of the game only, began to wane. All did not aspire to this dream and their dreams of having a good time with friends was infringed upon. Regardless, the two dreams were thrown together and treated as if it was only the first. Teams are being run as if they were mini pro teams and not as a youth team with varied interests for playing. They are all bedecked in the full regalia of equipment and think they have to have it to enjoy the game. That includes the fans. When I was growing up and coaching a pony league team, a white t-shirt and blue jeans were our uniforms and I cannot recall anyone not having a good time because of it.

When one gives it some thought you will realize there is a great amount of similarity between the sports industry preying on the parents and kids and the con artists that prey on the elderly. Even though you cannot afford it, you are still conned into falling for it. When you get into a conversation with someone with kids in sports the conversation usually ends up about how expensive it is and what they are having to sacrifice to afford. My thought is always. Who is the adult here that has control of those decisions? The more kids in your family, the more expensive it can become in youth leagues and am amazed at how some afford everything. The school sports are also falling into this category with some of the activities outside UIL costing thousands to participate in. So like so many other things in today's world, only the more affluent can afford to participate, leaving many without the means to enjoy the activities. The scales are stacked and that is why the same schools enjoy success year after year and not because of the talent available. That is why I think the select teams need to stay in that organization and not in the UIL. More and more we are coming to realize team does not rank ahead of individual goals as athletes abandon teams in critical times of the season for personal gain.

It has always bothered me to think about the millions of dollars spent on school athletic facilities and only a few get the benefit. After all, everyone pays the taxes that finances them, so everyone should have the opportunity to use them. That is why schools of size should have a well-organized intramural program and use those facilities to enhance participation for life.

The select team mania is the money guzzler of youth sports today. It is billed as the best way to scholarships. Years ago I read an article from a coach describing the select teams. He said that probably only 15% of the players were select, the rest were wannabees with parents that could afford or were willing to go into debt for. No doubt it still holds true and the sporting industry is banking on it. Today, the youth sports industry pulls in over $15 billion annually. The average family will spend an annual average of more than $2500 per player and that does not include the matching expenses of the parents. There are some that will spend over 10% of their gross income and sometimes $20,000 or more for personal trainers, travel costs, etc. For many, it will be a waste of their money better spent on college expenses because of the lottery odds, but it will never be a waste of time for the kids because of the memories they will make. However, those same things can be obtained locally. My life has been full of those memories generated by playing locally with my friends.

Most do not know the scholarship story. A scholarship does not mean a “full ride” on school expenses. Not all colleges can or do give out scholarships. Divisions I and II of NCAA can give out scholarships. Only football, basketball, volleyball and girls tennis are required to give full scholarships and those are limited in number and cannot go over the total. The rest of the sports give out what is called “equivalency” scholarships. Schools are allowed a given number of scholarships and they must split them up to have enough players to field their teams. Mostly thirds or fourths. Also, scholarships are for one year at a time. Must be renewed each year and can be terminated. Division III, which includes such schools as Mary Hardin Baylor, Texas Lutheran, Tarleton, etc., cannot give scholarships. So when you see someone sign with them you know they are not getting athletic money. Does not mean there is not monetary means there. Good grades always open one up for a lot of grants, etc. If a person really wants to play in college, they can find a place to play. It just may not be the college of their choice. Interesting that many of the colleges athletes attend are smaller than the high school they went to.

It is no wonder that coaches/parents are on the list of causes. We have all attended games or seen film clips of youth coaches ranting and raving at their young charges as if they were pro adults. The same with parents in the stands, not to mention the fights viewed. Most of our kids understand the pecking order of talent and just want to play and have a good time with friends. They, like adults, will go do something else if they are not having fun. There are those that demean the act of giving out participation awards because only the winners should be rewarded. I'm sorry but if this helps a kid stay interested in participating in sports I'm all for it. I have seen situations where staying with a team all season is a “major” accomplishment and should be rewarded. My wish is when a kid looks at the trophy, it brings back good memories. If you do not want your kid to have one, then donate them to an organization that will appreciate it.

Fear of an injury will always be a factor. No one likes to see someone get injured but injuries will always be a fact of life, not just sports. Just do not let fear of an injury be the only reason you do not want to play. More and more rules are being added that makes games as safe as possible.

We need to always encourage everyone to participate in sporting activities that want to. Putting all your eggs in one basket does not always work out and you miss out on so much. A recent quote by an athlete who was asked what she had to sacrifice to reach her zenith. Her reply “I missed my entire childhood.” The average career of a pro athlete is 2-4 years, which means most play much less than that. However, playing and enjoying a sport can last the rest of your life. Try it, you will be glad you did. Good health is much less expensive.

Dripping Springs Century-News

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