As spring sports get underway, the American Academy of Pediatrics is out with a new study detailing the mental and emotional impacts that competitive sports can have on young athletes. 

What You Need To Know

  • Of the 60 million American children and adolescents who play organized sports, 70% are dropping out by age 13

  • Researchers acknowledge the benefits of sports participation, such as helping kids reach physical activity goals and develop socially, but say extreme training can lead to decreased quality of life and burnout

  • The AAP recommends coaches measure success in ways beyond wins and losses, such as highlighting participation and effort

Of the 60 million American children and adolescents who play organized sports, 70% are dropping out by age 13. Injuries, over training and burnout are among the top reasons they quit.

Researchers acknowledge the benefits of sports participation, such as helping kids reach physical activity goals and develop socially, but say extreme training can lead to decreased quality of life and burnout, which is the case for nearly 1 in 10 young athletes.

Researchers found several underlying issues, including pressure to succeed, whether from parents, coaches or peers, over scheduling and excessive training.

Excessive training can occur when children are on multiple teams and training year-round and can be seen by a decrease in performance, persistent fatigue or mood changes. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends parents do the following to foster a well-rounded and positive experience in sports:

  • Encourage children to participate in only one sport per day and ensure at least one day of rest per week
  • Promote good nutrition and sleep habits to help children optimize recovery

The AAP recommends coaches measure success in ways beyond wins and losses, such as highlighting participation and effort.

The key is to have balance. Along with sports, children also need free time to play and opportunities to engage in non-sports-related activities.