The Aspen Institute’s Initiative: 63×30

By: Aaron Locks, NAofA Founder and CEO

The Aspen Institute, Project Play, has set a goal of achieving 63% youth sports participation in the US by 2023, known as the 63×30 initiative. As the CEO of the National Academy of Athletics, I am dedicated to helping make this goal a reality. My team and I are working hard to educate parents on the incredible benefits of their kids playing team sports.

As parents, many of us have either heard about, read, or personally experienced the physical advantages of children participating in sports and athletics. Engaging in sports helps children develop physically stronger muscles and bones, improve cardiovascular health, and maintain a healthy weight. Regular physical activity through sports is essential for children’s growth and development, improving hand-eye coordination while providing them with the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits. Participation in sports enhances children’s endurance, strength, flexibility, and coordination, contributing to overall health and preventing obesity and other related health issues. Moreover, sports teach valuable motor skills and the ability to work as part of a team, which are transferable to other areas of life such as academics and personal relationships. Additionally, physical activity in children improves mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, boosting self-esteem, and enhancing cognitive function.

When my kids were little, we did everything to help them have a positive experience in sports by focusing on effort, fundamentals, and boundaries rather than placing too much emphasis on winning the game. We taught them to compete, as I believe that learning to compete is a vital skill. However, it’s equally important for kids to experience losing. When our kids learn to fail without quitting or blaming others and develop the confidence to get back up on their own, they gain one of the most valuable lessons through their sports journey.

Sports Specialization 

Unfortunately, in this day and age, we are increasingly seeing on social media the negative impact of team sports. This often involves the behavior of overzealous parents and coaches, or how adults can sometimes act as negative role models. Instances of parents and coaches exhibiting poor sportsmanship, applying excessive pressure on children, or engaging in confrontational behavior are all too common. When adults display aggressive or unsportsmanlike behavior, it sets a poor example for children, leading them to adopt similar behaviors, which can negatively affect their interactions on and off the field. Excessive pressure to perform can lead to burnout, stress, and a decreased love for the sport, with children feeling that their self-worth is tied to their athletic performance, which is detrimental to their mental health. Additionally, while sports can enhance physical health, they also come with risks of injuries. Without proper guidance and care, children can suffer from overuse injuries, and concussions, and other sports-related health issues.

Even with all the potential chaos or negativity surrounding youth sports, participation’s benefits far outweigh the potential negatives. To maximize these benefits while mitigating the risks, it is crucial for parents, coaches, and community leaders to foster a positive and supportive environment. This means promoting sportsmanship, emphasizing fun and personal growth over winning, and ensuring that children have access to proper training and safety measures. By creating a balanced approach, we can help children enjoy the numerous benefits of sports, such as improved physical fitness, skill development, and mental health, while guiding them through potential negative impacts like excessive pressure or poor sportsmanship.

Sportsmanship

Promoting sportsmanship involves teaching children to respect their teammates, opponents, and sports officials, and to handle both victory and defeat gracefully. This sets a positive example and encourages a respectful and supportive atmosphere. Emphasizing fun and personal growth over winning helps children develop a love for the sport and a focus on self-improvement rather than just competition. This approach can reduce stress and burnout, ensuring that children remain engaged and motivated.

Recreation leaders, league presidents, and coaches should be trained to recognize and address potential issues, fostering a culture of safety and support. My kids always participated in a pre-season clinic where they learned the basics, understood the boundaries, and developed a level of confidence that helped them start the season strong. For my kids, the best leagues in terms of organization, fun, and a positive experience were those that delivered quality pre-season instruction and built a solid foundation of skill development for the entire season. 

Communication

Encouraging open communication between parents, coaches, and children is also key. This helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding expectations, goals, and any concerns that may arise. Providing positive reinforcement and modeling appropriate behavior are crucial strategies in achieving this balance. When adults demonstrate positive behavior, children are more likely to emulate these actions, leading to a healthier and more positive sports experience overall.

Here’s the deal: From my perspective, as someone with over 40 years of leadership and coaching experience, as well as a dad and grandparent, I believe sports are great for kids! While there are challenges associated with youth sports, a well-rounded and supportive approach can significantly enhance the positive impact of sports on children’s lives. By focusing on sportsmanship, fun, safety, and open communication, we can help children develop both physically and mentally, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy habits and positive experiences.

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