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October 7, 2008

Volume 1, Issue #012 Children and Sports

A Note From Jim

Feature Article: Children and Sports

Hello, Jim here. We've been talking lately about children and their needs as they have returned to school. In this issue we're going to be addressing children and sports. In our society sports are an important part of childhood. Below, we're offering some of our thoughts on this subject. _________________________________________________________________

Children and Sports

Playing sports provide children with the opportunity to interract with peers while developing physical skills and teammanship. Sports begin for youngsters at a young age in this country. Each region of the country has its favorite sports for kids. Standard sports include baseball, soccer and basketball. Some areas also offer football, ice hockey, lacrosse and field hockey. Other sports such as track, swimming and gymnastics are frequently available.

Very young children ages four to eight should be focused primarily on just having fun and good sportsmanship. They are also learning basic principles of the game. During the upper elementary school years children begin to concentrate on skill development while still primarily having fun. Sports become more competitive during the middle school years. This continues to be a skill building time and a time that sportsmanship is highly stressed. Team work must also be stressed during this time. Girls are much more likely to function as a team at this age due to their natural inclination to relate to one another. Boys can learn but have to be taught to pass the ball, function as a group and place less emphasis on individual achievement. The child's ability to see and anticipate the best next play in a sport that requires team work is more important than skill proficiency at this age. Skills can always be developed at any time but the individual's ability to see, anticipate and cooperate for the best interest of the team is essential. A team that plays well together is a much more worthy adversary than a collection of competent individuals who are each trying to beat the other team. The high school student who presents a good sense of sportsmanship, prowess and competence as a "team player" is a well developed athlete.

Until next time,

Jim Foster

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All the Best,

Jim Foster