Documenting the Benefits of Youth Sport
The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) recently released two position papers on the benefits of youth sports and physical activity.
The first, Maximizing the Benefits of Youth Sport, concluded:
Based on research findings across multiple fields, it is the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance’s (AAHPERD) current position that positive physical, psychological, intellectual, and social benefits are most likely to occur when young people: a) have positive and supportive relationships with teammates, coaches, and parents; b) develop physical and interpersonal skills, knowledge, and competencies; c) have opportunities to make decisions about their sport participation; and d) have experiences that are consistent with their particular needs and developmental level.
In the second, Recommended Requisites for Sport Coaches, AAHPERD states:
Much of the current literature suggests that coaches play an important role in the athlete experience that goes beyond the sport context. Therefore, it is the position of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) that all coaches have adequate preparation for their complex role.
For more information on the LA84 Foundation’s Coaching Education program visit the LA84 Foundation website.
