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| |    School & Community Sports by Diane Foushée Chaney and Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. For the most part, sports and kids naturally go hand in hand. Sports provide an outlet for children to have fun in an organized, supervised setting while learning some lessons that we value as parents and will serve them well throughout their lifetime. There are important decisions to be made as your child becomes involved in organized sports. Here are some questions to ask:
Which sport is right for my child? Some children know that they want to hit one out of the ballpark or be the next Mia Hamm well before they're even eligible to join a sports program. If your child has set her sights early on one particular sport, it should be because she has shown an interest, not simply because you liked that sport, or an older sibling did. If someone in the family was very successful at a particular sport, your child may feel strongly that she wants to follow in those footsteps--or she may well feel that she needs to do her own thing, without any competition, real or imagined. If she's not committed to any particular sport, you might encourage her to try a variety of programs throughout her early elementary years to see which ones she likes. There are programs available through schools, recreation centers, and summer camps that will give her a taste of many different athletic activities and help her (and you) make thoughtful choices in a noncompetitive environment. Some things to keep in mind as you observe her at play:
This question can be more difficult to answer than you might think. It is often determined by what sports programs are available for your child's age group. The key to finding a program that will fit your child is to match the sport and program with her developmental level. For young children, the best sports are the ones that can be enjoyable even if played at a low skill level. Soccer fits this description, as do T-ball and kickball. Certain sports, such as football, really require a higher level of skill than most young elementary students have. Other than having fun tossing a ball around, it's probably best to leave football for late elementary, middle (junior high), or high school. In general, contact and/or collision sports such as football and hockey are not a good match for young children because the risk of serious injury is relatively high. Which program or coach will provide my child with the best experience? A good coach is one who can inspire children to play joyfully, develop their skills, and find a balance between competitiveness and over-competitiveness. A great coach is one who can do all of that, and also serve as a role model for children. Many fortunate children have had a coach or teacher who was terrific in this way, and who had a significant positive impact on their lives. That makes it a good idea to talk with the coach of whatever team your child might be joining. As you look at the different options in your area, ask the coaches and program administrators about the philosophies that guide their particular programs. Some programs may be skill- and learning-based, while others will focus more keenly on competition. The experience and training background of any potential coach is another key factor, as is whether or not you get a feeling that he cares about children and can be an effective leader. With that said, good luck...and let the games begin!
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