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Sports: Possibilities of Positivity October 30, 2003 Much of the attention which is given to sports by academia is overtly negative, and every effort is made to root out and expose every evil aspect of sport. While sports may have damaging effects, they also produce beneficial results, as today’s two links demonstrate. The first manifestation of sports goodness comes from the website of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO). AYSO has been a pioneer in introducing and popularizing the sport of soccer among American children since its inception in 1960. An article outlining the organization’s history chronicles their long-standing commitment to fairness, sportsmanship, and character. In 1971, AYSO began its first girls’ program, and in the mid ‘70s, they welcomed players with special needs. In more recent years, the program has been expanded to include children in expanded geographic areas. As part of its foundation, AYSO is dedicated to the philosophies of “everyone plays” and “balanced teams.” Teams are coached by volunteers, and AYSO continually educates its volunteers in fields such as child development and sports psychology. The second source of good sports news is the Digital Collegian, the online edition of an independent student newspaper at Penn State. Collegian Staff Writer Jen Ayer tells of the positive effects of sports in a 2001 article on the web site. The article cites a study conducted at the University of New Hampshire which indicates that sports and other extracurricular activities enhance children’s development. Researchers indicate that the structure and discipline related to sports and other activities carries over to academic pursuits The study does not, however, differentiate the benefits of sports from the benefits of music, art, or other activities. The research also indicates that children from families with higher incomes and educational levels are more likely to be involved in extracurricular activities. The net effect of sports may be positive or negative; a great deal of evidence exists to support either argument. Today’s articles indicate sports’ ability to be a constructive force in the world, but of course, this cursory examination is far from conclusive.
© 2006 Brian Troutman. All rights reserved. This site looks much better on a Mac.
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