Disclaimer:
This medical
information is designed as an aid only for the
patients of
Drs. Concannon & Vitale.
It is not a substitute for a medical
exam and direct
advice from your physician.
Children in Sports
Being on a youth sports team is pretty much a must-do nowadays, at
least for children between the ages of 7 to 18. Kids on a sport
team derive many benefits, including:
- learning to commit to team
- learning to win as a team
- learning to loose as a team
- making good friends on the team
- becoming more physically fit
- doing better in school while they're on the team
- learning to multi-task
- increased confidence and poise
- are more likely to be involved in their community when they grow
up
Kids should be on at least one sports team per year, not all year
around or all four seasons, but at least one sport each year. There are
many sports leagues to choose from, be they at school, the neighborhood
or city, the CYO, YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, JCC, etc. And it
doesn't have to be a traditional sport like baseball or soccer....any
team sport will do, such as swim teams or golf teams. Soccer
leagues and basketball leagues can be quite inexpensive. On the
other hand, hockey can be very costly. Be aware that sign-ups for
many sports teams begin several months before the season begins. Ask
other parents and look for these notices in the local newspaper, or
more often, in the bottom of your child's backpack under the month-old
peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Be imaginative to get your child off
the couch and onto a team!
Guidelines for Parents with Children in Sports
1. Make sure your children know that-win or lose-you
love them and are not disappointed with their performance.
2. Be realistic about your child's physical ability.
3. Help your child set realistic goals, but enforce the
commitment to the team for the season of play.
4. Emphasize improved performance, not winning. Positively
reinforce improved skills.
5. Don't relive your own athletic past through your child.
6. Provide a safe environment for training and competition. This
includes proper training methods and use of equipment.
7. Control your emotions at games and events. Don't yell
at other players, coaches, or officials.
8. Be a cheerleader for your child and the other children on
the team.
9. Respect your child's coaches. Communicate openly with
them. If you disagree with their approach, discuss it will them.
10. Be a positive role model. Enjoy sports yourself.
Set your own goals. Live a healthy lifestyle.
GOOD LUCK!
Rev. 10/2005 SPORTS.htm
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