Competition

Competition is everywhere in today’s society, but what affects does competition have on a child’s psyche? Children are often introduced to the concept of competitiveness as they begin to participate in competitive athletics. Paulo David, author of Human Rights in Youth Sport: A Critical Review of Children’s Rights in Competitive Sports, found that children do not always understand the concept of competition until age six or seven. However, more and more parents are shuttling their children into competitive, organized sports at a younger age to gain an advantage and collect the best skill necessary to compete and be a starter at the high school and collegiate levels.

Fred Engh, author of Why Johnny Hates Sports states, “If kids are competitive at early ages, then they may not be trained in how to fail.” Kids may be scared to fail and make mistakes when parents and coaches place an emphasis on winning. Mistakes are a part of the learning process and learning from these mistakes can result in success. This idea not only serves an important purpose in children’s organized sports but is recognized at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. If kids are not allowed to fail, and face consequences when they do so, parents and coaches are training them to be afraid of trying. Allowing children to try and fail extinguished their fear of their parents, coaches, peers, and of humiliation.

Too much competition too early may cause “burnout.” Jean Lawrence, author of Stress of Youth Sports, defines the relatively new term “burnout” as “the athlete’s natural response to chronic, ongoing stress.” Lawrence suggests “burnouts” begin to manifest and children start to quit their given sport by age thirteen.

While attending Montana Tech, I have contributed to youth athletics in the community of Butte. I have coached two sixth grade boys’ basketball teams and a sixth grade Little Guy Football team. I am a very competitive individual and stress the importance of competition and the hard work required to succeed with all of my kids. I do agree with all of the arguments above, but I do believe there is a healthy form of competition all young individuals should experience whether it be academic, athletic, or by another means.