The Study
This study conducted by Drs. Vern S. Seefeldt and Martha E. Ewing from the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports at Michigan State University documented youth and adolescent participation in sports. The study also explored the positive and negative consequences of sports participation and set forth recommendations to enhance the potential for youth sports in meeting the needs of all youth regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or ability. The study examined four categories of community-based sports programs and two types conducted within schools.

The Findings
There has been a slight increase in the number of younger (5-13 years old) sports participants and a slight decrease in older (14-17 years old) participants. There has been a slow but steady increase in the number of girls participating in interscholastic athletics since the 1970s, but the percent of women coaching girls1 sports has dropped dramatically over the same period (90% in 1972; 50% in 1987). Smaller schools are likely to have a higher percent of their student body involved in athletics than larger schools. Educational programs for volunteer coaches are much needed. Sports participation that emphasizes skill-building and socially acceptable responses to personal relations has proven to be a popular aid in the education of youth. Youth sports should complement physical education classes, not be viewed as a suitable substitute for them. Participation in sports by youth is a highly desirable alternative to gang membership and can serve as a deterrent to negative behavior.

What It Means to You
Children and youth in your school system can benefit from participation in youth sports activities, including those offered through your school, if appropriate guidelines are followed. You can avoid the negative consequences of poorly run programs if you follow these recommendations: (1) expose children to a broad array of sports opportunities during their elementary years; (2) emphasize instruction rather than competition in early childhood sports programs; (3) when possible expose youth to sports that have potential for lifetime use; (4) institute equitable programs that will meet the needs of ALL youth; (5) design programs to utilize communities as partners in the delivery of sports programs; (6) increase the number of women and minority coaches in youth sports programs; (7) provide educational programs for all coaches of youth sports teams to increase their knowledge of: coaching techniques, first aid, injury prevention and emergency care.

More Information
Consult Seefeldt, V.C. and Ewing, M.E., "Youth Sports in America: An Overview," (1997), Research Digest, Series 2, No. 11, September, President1s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

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