What Features Should Parents Expect to Find in a Sound Junior Sports Education Program?
Well, even if you haven't ever wondered about the above, I'm sure I'm not the first one to tell you that the western world is experiencing growing levels of obesity in children (and adults, but that's another article!) contributed to by computers and computer games.
Let's face it, there's a lot of fun to be had just by turning on a button.
Ensuring your child is participating in a fun and active pastime is one way to help combat unnecessary, and unwanted, weight gain which can lead to future health issues.
It may also encourage teamwork, friendships, communication skills and a lot of enjoyment.
But how do you know the activity is ENJOYABLE and GOOD for their growing bodies? Some things to look out for include: 1.
The sporting facilities are safe and up to standard.
Are the goals well attached to the ground? Is the playing surface free of rubbish, debris and potholes? 2.
The coaches and assistants (parents, teachers, youth workers and officials) are qualified to coach juniors in your child's chosen sport.
Most states have accredited courses they can undertake.
3.
The sport deliverers are well versed in what makes the sport fun and productive.
They encourage fair play, teamwork, equal playing time to all participants whilst making the competition a challenge.
They ensure the format of the competition is appropriate.
All competition options for kids need to be addressed and the best option selected.
These include body size or age groupings, mixed or single gender, range of capabilities, variations in readiness, type of challenge and the extent of modification required.
Very young children should be playing "modified sport".
These "modified" sports games are mini versions of adult sports, designed to encourage participation, fun and safety.
Teaching of skills is the main priority of junior and modified sports.
Once the skill is fully developed, competition can stimulate performance.
Junior sport must be played in a non threatening environment and encourage skill development.
Smaller grounds, smaller teams and smaller/lighter equipment mean smaller players have many opportunities to touch the ball and contribute to the game.
Please visit my website for some further free information.
Let's face it, there's a lot of fun to be had just by turning on a button.
Ensuring your child is participating in a fun and active pastime is one way to help combat unnecessary, and unwanted, weight gain which can lead to future health issues.
It may also encourage teamwork, friendships, communication skills and a lot of enjoyment.
But how do you know the activity is ENJOYABLE and GOOD for their growing bodies? Some things to look out for include: 1.
The sporting facilities are safe and up to standard.
Are the goals well attached to the ground? Is the playing surface free of rubbish, debris and potholes? 2.
The coaches and assistants (parents, teachers, youth workers and officials) are qualified to coach juniors in your child's chosen sport.
Most states have accredited courses they can undertake.
3.
The sport deliverers are well versed in what makes the sport fun and productive.
They encourage fair play, teamwork, equal playing time to all participants whilst making the competition a challenge.
They ensure the format of the competition is appropriate.
All competition options for kids need to be addressed and the best option selected.
These include body size or age groupings, mixed or single gender, range of capabilities, variations in readiness, type of challenge and the extent of modification required.
Very young children should be playing "modified sport".
These "modified" sports games are mini versions of adult sports, designed to encourage participation, fun and safety.
Teaching of skills is the main priority of junior and modified sports.
Once the skill is fully developed, competition can stimulate performance.
Junior sport must be played in a non threatening environment and encourage skill development.
Smaller grounds, smaller teams and smaller/lighter equipment mean smaller players have many opportunities to touch the ball and contribute to the game.
Please visit my website for some further free information.
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