Regarding youth sports (under 12 years old), should the environment be recreational or competitive?
454637
The environment SHOULD be recreational for kids under 12. This gives them time to enjoy playing for the sake of playing before the competitiveness kicks in. Over 12 there is an emphisis on skills and desire to win. It is sad to see parents pushing kids as young as 5 and 6 to be ultra competitive. Parents should stop trying to make their kids do things that they can no longer do themselves. GAME ON...ENJOY IT WHILE YOU CAN.
705524
No it is not a fruity sport for boys.  When you are older you will no longer play football or baseball.  You be be happy you learned to play tennis at a younger age.
1062894
Girls that do sports growing up tend to be a whole lot of really good things:\n\nFitter\nMore coordinated\nSocialized\nHappier!\nMotivated\nAmbitious\n\nHappily, there are great opportunities now in youth sports for girls.  Not long ago, those were hard to find.\n\nI would encourage any parent to get their daughters involved, just so that they can discover what they like.  The rewards can be fantastic.
87610
i think that that is going too far. when kids sign up for something, lots of times, they want to enjoy themselves, have fun with their friends outside of school and maybe learn something. not many kids are looking to be asked to join a professional team. a lot of times, it depends on how old the kids are and exactly what they are doing. if they are on the other side of the field (so they can't hear their parents when they regularly talk) and they are letting the ball go inches past their glove, while they talk on their cellphone, then i think SOMEONE should say something. there are some cases when someone should say something and when people shouldn't say something. i played sports for a long time, and it only made me nervous. Hope this helps.
416488
Soccer is played by more than 7 millions 6- to 11-year-olds, making it the second most popular team sport among children in this country.\nSource-SAMMMMMMMMMMM
478274
I think you nailed it. It fits the definition of a sport, \n\n"an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition" .
100107
I don't think so.  Having fun is way more important than winning.  Kids will have their whole adult lives to be focused and serious.  Why hurry that along?
731397
Josh...I can tell you one good place to start...Contact the sports department of your local newspaper and tell them you are interested in starting a  team, and ask if they can help you out by putting a bulletin in the paper...They will know what questions to ask you (contact info, etc), and small town papers are especially helpful with youth sports (I used to be a sports writer for a small city daily paper)...Good luck!
769511
Don't be too strict...don't let them run with the ball...but if they lift there pivit foot once don't sweat it...Let them touch each other but don't let them intentionally do it...if something is questionable let it slide...At that age the kids are just now learning the game...and calling every little thing won't help anything...all it'll do is make it a stop and go game...which no one will enjoy
424472
No, sport is a direct competition of fastest, strongest, and other physical activities. Not who can lie the best, not who looks the prettiest as in other sports. Sport should have to be something that you sweat for.
93628
I coached middle school lacrosse 7th and 8th grade for 4 years and I have assisted with the lower school program.  Lacrosse can be a dangerous game, I have seen hands busted, cups cracked, collar bones broken and more but it is a safe sport.  The most important thing you can do with someone age 10 and under is find a coach that understands that the childern need to learn the basics and it is more about having fun then winning the game.  Also Make sure that you have all of the proper equipment (AND MAKE SURE THE CHILD WEARS IT!!!) I have seen children get injured because they didn't think that padding was nessasary.  I encourage childern to get started at a early age but as with any sport it is just a game to have fun.  Also some children have anger problems and this game is certainly not for them if they can not control their temper then they should NOT play the game.
875006
Volleyball is great! I'm 12 and I love volleyball! It shows you discipline, sportsmanship, teamwork, and a bunch of other things you would probably need later in life.
178914
hell no! at this age they should be focusing on sportsmanship and team work, not hurting one another!
1147337
that  is the menimum. amything less  than  that is nopt  considered doing sport
879434
Soccer is really fun! You will get to know the girls. Playing sports is a great way to meet other kids! \nBoth me and my brother played sports when younger. We new everyone (we had older sisters), but even for those who did not know people they sure got to know everyone....\nGreat exercise! \nGo for it and have fun!
978621
Please learn to spell "participate."  After that, allow girls to participate in football, then you can complain about not participating in softball (and field hockey!)   Ok?
1166067
I love it...plus it's a sport you'll be able to play when you're old.  You can play it indoor and outdoor...