Putting Youth Back Into Sports is a science-based curriculum containing three modules.

Module I
It focuses on understanding what youth want from sports; youth development and sports; and competition versus cooperation.

Module II
deals with building positive relationships among parents, youth and coaches; how to be a positive spectator; resolving conflicts; and building character in sports.

Module III
focuses on character building and moral development; how sports organizations can promote positive youth development; and the role of communities in developing sportsmanship.

Consider purchasing this curriculum for yourself,
your Cooperative Extension Service, your youth sports organization, or your community.

Sports are the most prevalent organized after-school activity for nearly 22 million children in the United States. Another 21 million children participate in school athletics or weekend sports.

While sports can be a fun and engaging way for children and youth to learn skills, it is also a crucial time for parents,coaches, and community members to insure that the experience is a beneficial one for the child.

Research shows that a win-at-all costs atmosphere in a youth sports program is harmful to a child’s development. Likewise, the negative experiences that a child may have while participating in this type of atmosphere are linked to the development of low self-esteem, fear of failure, and a lack of desire to continue participating in a youth sporting experience.

Community youth sports organizations, coaches, and parents can influence the outcomes that children gain from their sporting experience.

Educating themselves on the sports readiness of children, developmental appropriateness, and good sportsmanship are just a few of the things that need to be considered in developing a sound sports program for youth.