I would argue, though, that one reason youth is fat is NOT because competition is viewed as bad - but because team sports have become so competitive that only the most talented athletes can participate, leaving those who just want to play with no options.
When I was a child you could go out into your neighborhood and soon you and your friends would be playing a game - tag, baseball, kick the can, whatever. Nowadays you simply can't let your children do that. I certainly can't let my boys go ride their bikes all over the neighborhood the way I did as a child - the stakes are too high. So should I just let them sit on the couch? Nope - so I looked into the options here in Katy.
My nephew has long been in highly competitive baseball leagues. He is extremely talented, but I don't know that the year-round high pressure has been good for him. I watched him in the All-Stars, and he was incredibly tough on himself when, as all pitchers do, he had a rough game. Some - not all - of the parents seem to forget they are dealing with 12 year olds and not major leaguers. One of my brother's best friends is an Astros pitcher, so I know he is getting top-notch training and I hope they are carefully watching the physical effects of his constant playing. Still, I worry.
When I first heard of the non-competitive sports leagues, I too though they were a stupid idea - but now I see the important role they play. Don't kid yourself. Those kids are still competitive, still want to win, but they keep score, not the adults. My boys play soccer,(
www.ffps.org ) and because we don't have the crazed coaches or parents trying to validate themselves through their children's playing they can concentrate on improving their skills and having fun. There is an autistic child on my youngest (6) son's team. Basically he is allowed to sub in whenever he feels up to it. This Saturday he really kicked the ball for the first time and the parents on our team applauded him. Never mind that he kicked it the wrong direction - we were thrilled for him because he had gained enough confidence to get in there and kick it. Playing with him has taught my son a great deal - lessons that he would never get to learn should he have been on a highly-competitive team, where the autistic child would never been able to play. If my boys become skilled enough, they can play for their schools or in a competitive league. They compete every day of their lives in school and at home. (In fact, I kinda wish they'd stop turing EVERYTHING into a contest!) For now, I'm happy they have a chance to practice and play outside, getting exercise and learning all the important lessons team sports proponents say are a by-product of playing. I'm glad they aren't being fat and lazy, even if they aren't great athletes.
But should my boys be on a competitive team, I would be pleased to have this man coach!
