What's the Rush?

The practice of integrating younger athletes into older divisions to fill out rosters can lead to a range of social costs for both younger and older athletes.? ? Ironically enough known in the youth sports world as 'Bringing Up' this practice has been spreading from the upper echelon of AAU teams down into the School and Town Rec leagues.

While parents, coaches and other stakeholders may take pride in the perceived accomplishment of their child being advanced to a higher level, research shows that the risks of doing so outweigh the benefits of the experience. It's essential to remember that the primary goal of youth sports is to promote emotional, social, and athletic development of the athletes, rather than focusing solely on team performance or perceived accomplishments. This essay will explore the implications of prioritizing age-appropriate teams and the importance of keeping the true purpose of youth sports in mind.

Integrating younger athletes into older divisions can lead to a range of social costs for both younger and older athletes. For younger athletes, this can mean isolation and missed opportunities for crucial age-appropriate social interactions. Older athletes may be less likely to invite their own peers to join the team, fearing replacement or the perceived degradation of the team's value. This can impact overall team cohesion and camaraderie.

Research has shown that burnout, dropout rates, and negative feedback loops can be significant concerns in these situations. Studies have found associations between burnout and factors such as a lack of social support and high levels of stress, both of which can be exacerbated when younger athletes join older teams (Gould et al., 1996). Additionally, young athletes who drop out of sports often cite reasons such as a lack of enjoyment and an overly competitive atmosphere (Butcher et al., 2002). A negative feedback loop may also develop, wherein older athletes become discouraged from participating or recruiting their friends, leading to fewer age-appropriate athletes available for teams and further exacerbating the need to fill rosters with younger athletes (Visek et al., 2015).

Parental Pride and Perceived Accomplishments

While parents may take pride in their child being advanced to a higher level, research suggests that the long-term risks associated with moving younger athletes to older divisions outweigh the short-term benefits of perceived accomplishments. A study by Fraser-Thomas, Cote, and Deakin (2008) found that young athletes' social development was positively influenced by their participation in age-appropriate sports settings. When athletes are placed in teams with older peers, they may not receive the same benefits, potentially hindering their social development.

The True Purpose of Youth Sports

With the risks to the ‘career’ seeming to outweigh the benefits, it's essential to focus back on the ultimate goal of youth sports: the emotional, social, and athletic development of the athletes.?

Evaluating a program’s or team's success should be based on the growth and well-being of its athletes, rather than merely on its performance in competitions or perceived accomplishments.

To address these issues, it is crucial to prioritize age-appropriate teams and focus on fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. One solution could be to only allow teams with the appropriate number of age-appropriate athletes to exist, which could encourage peer recruitment and help maintain a positive atmosphere for all athletes. Alternatively, mentorship programs within the sports organization could provide older athletes with opportunities for leadership and personal growth, while offering younger athletes a structured and positive environment for guidance and support.? While neither solution is a cure all the current path is unsustainable.?

According to a report from the National Council of Youth Sports, about 70% of children in the United States stop playing organized sports by the age of 13. A study conducted by the Aspen Institute's Project Play found that by age 16, approximately 50% of teenagers are no longer participating in organized sports.? In a small town like mine, the cohort of 30 ten year olds becomes 9 thirteen year olds, 4-5 of whom will be playing the sport at all at age 16.

Integrating younger athletes into older divisions may offer short-term benefits in terms of perceived accomplishments, but it's important to remember that youth sports should prioritize the development of athletes over winning or individual recognition. By prioritizing age-appropriate teams, focusing on enjoyment, and implementing supportive policies, youth coaches and administrators can work to create an environment that fosters emotional, social, and athletic growth for all athletes, staying true to the mission of youth sports.

Rant over….let’s hear it!