reading assignment

Conceptual and Theoretical Perspectives

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Many coaches, parents, and youth development professionals have conflicting views about the ideal level of competiveness, intensity, and specialization in youth sports. After reading the two additional articles listed on Canvas for Week 2 (Matz, 2014; Schulten, 2013) and referring to chapter 5 in the textbook (Holt, 2016), share your perspective regarding the appropriate level of competition, intensity, etc. of sports for today’s youth. Support your stance with evidence from the literature (textbook, articles, or other outside sources).

Here are some questions to get you started thinking about the topic 

Have you, or has anyone you know, played youth sports at the level described by Schluten (2013)? If so, what was the experience like?

Would you want your own child to be on a highly competitive sports team as an 11-year-old? Why or why not?

Do you think playing sports teaches valuable life lessons and skills? If so, what?

Schluten (2013) writes that her message to her daughter is, “Work as hard as you can at whatever you love. Find people who are better than you, learn from them.” But many of the commenters on the post seem to feel that pushing a child to spend so much time on one sport or interest too early is dangerous. What do you think?