The Opposition
Although there are a lot of benefits to playing sports, especially at a young age, there are some drawbacks. There are lots of parents that refuse to enroll their kid in team sports at any age for a multitude of reasons. Some had traumatizing experiences themselves, while some hear horror stories. So while your child can benefit from the experience of sports, some parents warn to be careful with your experience, as they or their kids have had unpleasant experiences with sports at a young age.
Jeff Pearlman, a blog writer for the Wall Street Journal, is one of those parents. About a month ago, Pearlman wrote an article on the WSJ blog [which can be found here] explaining why he would never enroll his kids in any kind of team sports. He opens up his blog post with a not so fond memory from his childhood. He remembers his brother being signed up to play youth soccer at a young age. According to Pearlman however, what he really signed up for was a first-class seat on the bench. He tells of how his brother's coach only cared about one thing - winning - and how he would do anything to make his team win at any cost. For Jeff's brother, this meant playing only the minimum amount of time that the league of required each coach from each player.
Jeff Pearlman, a blog writer for the Wall Street Journal, is one of those parents. About a month ago, Pearlman wrote an article on the WSJ blog [which can be found here] explaining why he would never enroll his kids in any kind of team sports. He opens up his blog post with a not so fond memory from his childhood. He remembers his brother being signed up to play youth soccer at a young age. According to Pearlman however, what he really signed up for was a first-class seat on the bench. He tells of how his brother's coach only cared about one thing - winning - and how he would do anything to make his team win at any cost. For Jeff's brother, this meant playing only the minimum amount of time that the league of required each coach from each player.
"Before every game, the coach would have all his players form a circle, put their hands inside and yell out, “Team!” Then, without fail, my brother walked to the bench, sat down and remained there—completely ignored—for three quarters. Immediately before the final period began, the coach would point to David and begrudgingly insert him at right fullback for the requisite minimum amount all kids must play. He made it painfully clear to the others that my brother was the weakest of weak links; that he was useless as a soccer player."
Pearlman then goes on to the effects this neglect had on his brother and himself. How it not only destroyed him, but the rest of the family too. And this is the reason he says "...I do not want my children playing organized team sports." Then, Pearlman says something interesting. He actually recognizes the benefits of team sports, and gives credit where credit is due. He then immediately goes on to explain how the cost outweighs the benefit. How maybe years ago it was appropriate for kids to play organized team sports because it was different from how things are today. Today there are "parents itching to land their kids far-off college scholarships; coaches thinking themselves the next Nick Saban and John Calipari; calls for year-round dedication; the hiring of private tutors to help 6-year-old Junior master the changeup."
Pearlman does present some valid points. he is not the only one who has experienced this kid of "trauma", as there are numerous other article and blog posts that say the same, which is why his opinion must be taken into consideration when deciding what's right for your child.
Pearlman does present some valid points. he is not the only one who has experienced this kid of "trauma", as there are numerous other article and blog posts that say the same, which is why his opinion must be taken into consideration when deciding what's right for your child.