Too often children are pushed too hard to perform in sport before they are mentally
or physically prepared for it. The world is full of potential quality athletes who
gave away sport because they were burnt out during their teenage years.
Clubs and coaches should be careful to encourage their younger players rather than
discourage them by pushing them too hard. They should support and guide their
participants, rather then drive them.
Sports experts recognise that there are three stages in the development from child
to adult.
Introduction:
Prior to the age of 10, children should be encouraged to learn basic physical
skills (such as basic body management, throwing, catching, etc.) and to use these
skills learnt, to play minor games and small group activities. Very young children
need time to develop skills without the pressure of competition placed upon them.
It is recommended that no structured competitions be provided for children under
the age of the 10 years.
Development Stage:
The years from 10-13 are critical in the development of a positive attitude to
life-long participation in sport, and to apply those skills during
modified games. Children of this age group readily and eagerly accept the physical
challenges of sport, and can gradually develop a capacity to cope with the
psychological demands of competitive games.
Competitive Stage:
From the age of 14 adolescents will take part in competitions which, if not modeled
on the adult game, will very closely resemble it. Modification of games can, and
should, build up to participation in the adult game.
Children's sport should be free from adult pressures and demands. Children are not
little adults and therefore should not be trained or treated like they are.
The fundamental aim of children's sport is to provide an opportunity to become
involved in physical activity in a way which promotes immediate and long-term benefits
for the participants. These benefits will be observed in terms of higher levels of
fitness, better health, pleasurable social involvement and the satisfaction derived
from skilled performance in individual and group activities.
Exceptions:
People do not mature at the same speed. The ages given above are merely guidelines
which apply to most cases. Faster developers can be encouraged to move on to the
next group if they want to - but don't force them to.
Be careful, as even though an individual may have matured physically, it does not
mean they are mentally or socially mature. Or, they might be mentally equipped to
play sport against people older than them, only to find their bodies cannot take the
added physical stress.
Be flexible - monitor the progress of each individual child and be prepared to move
them between groups - either up or down - depending on their progress.
Bill of Rights for Children's Sport:
All children have the right to:
* have fun in sports
* participate at a level suited to each child's maturity and ability
* qualified adult leadership (all children's coaches should be accredited
under the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme)
* play as children and not as adults
* share in leadership and decision-making roles
* participate in safe and healthy environments
* access to proper preparation for participation in sports
* an equal opportunity to strive for success
* be treated with dignity
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