RealTalkAJ

Yes, it is completely normal.

Team Youth Sport Tips and FAQs

Is There a Decline in Youth Sports?

No, but it could apply with some sports over others. I’m positive that a good majority for that potential possibility is because of the marketing campaign of some of the programs that represent each sport. As petty it may sound, there’s youth clubs in sports that miss out on prospects because of something as silly as the design of the program’s sweatshirts. Being someone who still feels well in tune with what drives the youth to take action and sign up to commit with a program, I’ll be first to share that about 90% of the youth who do sports, do it simply to join a good looking team.

Youth Sports don’t have to be broken

There’s flaws with most things in life, and youth sports is no exception to that rule. I’m saying it doesn’t have to be flawed to the point it’s broken though. The thing that I noticed was holding most programs back when I was specifically teaching developmental techniques in my sport of choice is their overemphasis on winning. Especially with trying to leverage dark consequences over athletes that simply wanna have fun competing.

My Thoughts James Harrison’s message against the “every child gets a trophy” idea?

I’d say that there’s a positive thing that could happen from having drawback against every child getting a trophy. We shouldn’t have to shy away from the truth in performance at the expense of preserving a child’s feelings. It gets to make a delusional athlete— my theory. Why should we have to provide extra acknowledgment for a child through a reward? In school, if you took the test and get a failing grade, the teacher doesn’t give you a gold star because you tried. It can be as simple as that.

Are we being too tough on defining what a team is?

Yeah we’re being too tough on defining what a team is. And that’s mainly because we’re not spelling it correctly. If more individuals started putting the “I” in team, the program would take care of itself. There’s always room for attitude adjustments to be made when optimizing the talent and abilities of our athletes. I’m simply suggesting that they’re conditioned more to have an optimistic look on life. Specifically with where they see the team going— because of the work they put in personally to ensure success.

How do we reopen youth sports?

Let’s say you’re taking over as a community service executive in your hometown that hasn’t had a youth program for boxing in over 30 years. What’s your response to get it going? It’s a football city anyway! I’d start gaining buzz on dates that’s meant to get everybody who lives in the area to care about. Make it a family event, and encourage parents to bring their children. Maybe even encourage a dress code that calls for athletic wear…. (Follow me on Instagram and help me reach 1000 followers to go live and have me archive this type of discussion.)