- Summary
In the article “Children Need to Play, Not Compete” written by Jessica Statsky, she stated that competitive sports can cause psychological and physical dangers to children brought about by injuries and the fear of losing the game.
Statsky stated that organized sports activities for children between the ages of six and twelve children have become too competitive that the spirit of play have disappeared and sports have been considered as a job where children as tasked to win (2). It was emphasized that winning, which is the primary goal for every professional athlete should not be made applicable to children. The sports activities for children must be geared towards achieving fun, learning experiences with friends and is meant to be enjoyed. It is unfortunate that even the parents of these children have pushed them too hard to win their games that caused undue stress and anxiety to these young children. Although winning is a momentous event for children, it should not be the main objective of sports because what is important is not the winning but the effort that these kids out in their game and the confidence they have in themselves. In fact, there are several adults who have forgotten about the real essence of sports and have made winning their primary objective.
- Response
In this modern age of globalization, not all children play sports because of the influence of video games. Based on the report of Statsky, studies revealed that of children have lacked interest in sports and 90 percent of them prefer to be warming the bench on a winning team that to play regularly on a losing team. Although there are advantages in exposing the children at an early age in sports, it is also important that winning and losing are essential lessons to be learned. Too much exposure on competition at the early life of children can affect their mental and emotional development. It is important to teach the children the value of sportsmanship and that winning and losing are vital aspects of life that are inevitable. There are cases when children are easily influenced and push themselves to the limit in order to live up to the high expectations of their coaches and parents. As a result, failure to win the games had cause discouragement, depression and despair among children. Although there is nothing wrong to keep the winning in perspective as a motivation for the children, they must also learn to accept that they may lose in the game (Statsly 3). Hence, the parents and coaches of these children should highlight to them that it losing is not all that bad and should encourage them to strive harder during the next games. Teaching the children the value of losing will make them strive for self-improvement so that they will learn to enjoy sports, rather than to quit for lack of interest and playing time. There are three identified factors which influence children’s lack of interest in sports, namely: failure and fear of losing, disapproval of their coaches, family and friends, and psychological stress brought about by losing (Statsky 3).
It is also inappropriate that highly organized competitive sports including Little League Baseball and Peewee Football have become too competitive that they match adult standards. It is recommended that these sports competition should make sure that their standards and guidelines are appropriate for children so as not to pose danger to the physical and mental well-being of the young players. These sports activities must concentrate on the emotional welfare of the children by focusing on the fun and learning experience as well as the value of team work and sportsmanship. Young children should not be exposed to highly competitive sports because it can result to physical hazards and anxieties and the psychological dangers that may be inflicted on children (Statsky 2). The parents and coaches should not put their own fantasies and needs before the children's welfare. Children should not be taught to consider sports as a job that has demanded for them to win. Instead, they should be encouraged to enjoy the spirit of play and learn the values of camaraderie, team work and self-confidence (Statsky 4).
It is high recommended that authorities should continue to monitor the excesses and dangers of various competitive sports programs for children (Statsky 4). The sports programs should be geared towards the healthy well-being of children by preparing them to be exposed to adult life but must set a limitation on what is appropriate for them and what should be avoided. These programs should be geared towards providing fitness, cooperation, sportsmanship, and individual performance of children (Statsky 4). It is essential that children must enjoy the excitement and thrill of competition by focusing on the experience that the children will learn, and not on the objective to win it. Therefore, sports activity programs for young should be developed and designed to cater specifically to their needs and physical abilities/capacities (Statsky 4).
Works Cited:
Statsky, Jessica “Children Need to Play, Not Compete”. Website. Retrieved on May 12, 2013,
