Children 'no longer care' about winning or losing in sports

The Telegraph ^ | April 22, 2014 | Graeme Paton, Education Editor

[lbryce]

Research by the MCC and the Chance to Shine cricketing charity suggests that large numbers of schoolchildren no longer care if the competitive element is taken out of sport Most children would not be bothered if the competitive element was taken out of school sport, according to research by the MCC. Most children would not be bothered if the competitive element was taken out of school sport, according to research by the MCC. Photo: Alamy Graeme Paton

Britain risks losing its competitive edge because a generation of children is no longer interested in winning on the sporting field, according to research.

Figures show the majority of children are not bothered if the competitive element is removed from football, cricket, rugby and hockey fixtures, saying playing for fun or being with friends is more important.

>> School sport: no winners, no losers, no fun

It emerged that mothers and fathers place a considerably greater focus on winning or losing, with some even admitting they would not watch their children play sport if there was no final result.

The disclosure, in a study by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and cricketing charity Chance to Shine, will fuel concerns that a "prizes for all" culture in schools over the last few decades has eroded children's competitive spirit.

[CAluvdubya]

you accept that your chips are dealt by a power beyond yourself.

Absolutely!

[CAluvdubya]

His goal is to matriculate at UT-Austin, a worthy goal when you consider that he'll have to finish in the top 8% of his class to qualify.
His other goals include Eagle Scout, and playing linebacker or cornerback in HS.

Sounds like a great kid who has great parents!

[RipSawyer]

I think you are probably right on the money. I have never liked the idea of kids being pushed around by adults rather than being allowed to play as children.

[Alberta's Child]

Thanks. Baseball was a big sport among my friends as a kid, and it seemed to me that the ones who turned out to be the best players in high school were the ones who didn’t play in Little League as young kids.

[nascarnation]

That’s interesting.

Nowadays it seems like kids start organized sports at 5 or 6 yrs old and are pressured to “specialize” in one by age 11 or 12. The advent of “travel leagues” makes each category pretty much a year around deal.

It’s no surprise some get burned out by high school.