Why is it that some communities consistently achieve athletic success, while other towns regularly flounder in mediocrity? Generally speaking, the kids are not more athletically gifted in certain towns, so there must be something beyond simply having better athletes. From my direct experiences I have identified some of the constant variables witnessed in “winning” communities, as well as the reasons why other towns never seem to have much success.
Synchronizing youth & school sports
The kids who play sports for your local middle and high schools almost always started their athletic careers with youth sport programming in your same town. For example, the kids on your high school baseball team probably began playing baseball in the local youth league, but here is where things get interesting. In your more successful places, youth sports synchronize with eventual school sports, providing student athletes with the tools needed to seamlessly transition from youth to interscholastic sports. In less successful sports towns, the exact opposite occurs, where youth and school sports have no relationship in place, leaving kids far less prepared to make the jump to school sports. This lack of connection and preparation plays a direct role in keeping kids involved in sports from K-12, overall school team success, and largely explains why some communities enjoy a rich tradition of sport success, while other towns rarely win.
While it does take effort to connect youth and school sports, the return on investment is invaluable. By synchronizing youth and school sports, coaches, parents, and other stake holders can find common ground and consensus on the following:
- Mission statement and philosophy. Including a clear understanding of goals, values, and role that sports plays in holistic development.
- Sport strategies. How can kids in youth sports learn the X’s and O’s that school coaches teach if youth and school sport coaches never communicate?
- Contemporary and traditional issues, including psychosocial concerns. Often issues begin in youth sports, and by streamlining communication from k-12 coaches and school administrators can better prepare — and respond to — issues that most impact kids and their mental health.
- Sportsmanship and general social expectations. Here again, help kids understand early in youth sports what general expectations await for when they eventually begin school sports.
- Overall better physical and mental health support. The more youth and school coaches work together, the easier it is to get kids to participate in sports and enjoy the physical and mental benefits that sports afford.
Final thoughts
While it is true that sometimes in life things just work out with little effort invested, when it comes to kids and their overall wellness and mental health it behooves youth and school coaches to work together for optimal results. When sports are synchronized, parents can gain a better understanding of general expectations, accountability, and consequences related to sport participation. More informed parents can then make better choices for their kids, as well as support efforts to help kids have the most fun playing sports. And finally, communities that link youth and school sports increase the chances for on-field success, allowing everyone to enjoy a sense of local pride and enthusiasm.
drstankovich.com
