Scrapbook Item 2: Are Organized Youth Sports Worth the Effort?

Here is a link to an article talking about whether youth sports are worth it: http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/default/article/Are-priceless-childhood-moments-worth-youth-767797.php

During class we discussed the topic of whether youth sports are worth the effort and cost.  This information is also discussed in chapter four in Coakley's textbook on pages 139 through 146.  In this article the enormous cost of youth sports is discussed, and if these costs are worth it.  In class we learned that 47 million children participated in youth sports programs nationwide.  An article on Smart Money says that an average youth sport participant spends between 1000 and 3500 dollars a year on equipment and registration.  The privatization of youth sports is the main reason of the recent increase of costs.  The free publicly funded programs are now being cut due to the need for the money elsewhere. 

According to Coakley's text on page 139 a panel of experts recently graded the major parts of youth sports.  The highest grade of any area was officiating which only received a B-.  The lowest grade was for child centered philosophy which should be the most important area when it comes to youth sports.  Which raises the question if youth sports are worth it or not.  In class the benefits of youth sports we discussed were to develop fitness, prepare for adulthood, learn values, teach interactive skills, and to learn leadership skills.  As it states in Coakley's text the learning of these values are not learned automatically of course.  In order to ensure that youth sports are worth the time and cost we must ensure that the adults involved in them make the right decisions to help our youth get the most out of their sport experiences.  Also as future sport managers we must make sure that young athletes enjoy their sport experiences so they remain interested in these activities for years to come, to ensure that the sport industry continues to grow. 

Types of Youth Sport: Public and Private

Public Recreation Programs- These programs are publically funded and supported by the community and empasize fun and inclusion. 

Public Non-Profit Community Programs- These include organizations such as the YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs.  These programs focus on development but are starting to dissappear due to costs. 

Private Non Profit Organizations- These organizations are becoming more popular and include more travel and registration costs to players and families.

Private Commercial Clubs- These clubs are for elite athletes and emphasize winning and competition.  These clubs costs thousands for athletes to attend.