New Study Reveals Alarming Statistics on Youth Sports Drop-Out Rates:
New Study Reveals Alarming Statistics on Youth Sports Drop-Out Rates. According to a study published today by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a staggering 70% of children quit organized sports by the age of 13. This is re-confirming what we already knew. The system is BROKEN. This concerning trend highlights the continued and urgent need for parents and coaches to change how we parent our athletes.
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In the article “Overuse Injuries, Overtraining, and Burnout in Young Athletes,” the AAP provides a comprehensive overview of the risks associated with excessive training and its detrimental impact on young athletes’ well-being and quality of life. Dr. Joel S. Brenner, one of the members of the AAP Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness, emphasizes the significance of encouraging success beyond mere performance.
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“Sports are such a powerful and fun motivator to keep youth physically and mentally active, but some youth may feel pressure from parents, coaches, and others to measure success only by performance,” says Dr. Brenner.
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The report sheds light on the prevalence of overuse injuries caused by repetitive stress, revealing that children and adolescents are particularly susceptible due to the intolerance of growing bones to excessive strain. Moreover, it defines overtraining as a decrease in performance resulting from an imbalance between training and recovery, often accompanied by persistent fatigue, impaired sleep, and mood changes.
One of the key findings is the detrimental impact of overscheduled training and the associated risk factors for burnout. Research shows that young athletes often participate in multiple teams simultaneously and train year-round, leaving them with little to no free play time or the opportunity to engage in other activities that promote a holistic sense of well-being.
Success should be measured by personal growth, resilience, and joy. Not by outcomes like winning a scholarship or satisfying parents’ egos.
If you struggle with support vs. pressure, check out our many resources, including this article:
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