Adult participation in youth sports. A developmental perspective

Societal and familial forces of enormous emotional intensity have contributed to the growth of youth sports during the twentieth century, and continue to affect adult participation in children's athletics. This article addresses the historical evolution of youth sport programs, then identifies opportunities for adults to facilitate developmental progress and surmount emotional obstacles as they interact in sport activities with children ranging from preschool ages through adolescence. Youth sports are viewed as offering tremendous opportunities to teach not only physical skills and playing strategies, but also psychological skills and coping strategies that have applicability throughout life. A developmental rationale is provided to support recommendations for parents and coaches. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are faced with the challenge of collaborating with other professionals and making their knowledge base available to the volunteers who coach in and support youth sport programs.