Introducing children to sport (6 to 8 years old)

When very young, a child's experience of physical activity is likely to consist of backyard play with other children, parents or guardians. Evidence suggests that this backyard play is less prevalent than in previous generations. This may be due to a range of factors including the number of families where parents have work or other commitments.

Organised physical activity programs including sport tend to occur when a child starts school. Therefore, a child's first experience of organised sport is likely to occur when she or he is 6 to 8 years old.

The most valuable program for children of this age is an organised, widely based physical education program which develops a child's sporting and other physical skills. The development of skills that can be used in a variety of situations is a prerequisite to successful participation and enjoyment of sport throughout life.

Experiencing fun and success in sporting activities at this age is crucial if the child is to maintain interest and involvement.

Successful sporting activities for children at this stage tend to focus on fun and enjoyment, rather than organised training and competition. The more organised an activity is for young children, the more likely it is that:

• the activity meets the needs of parents more than those of the children
• competition is the main focus of the activity
• parents, in general, are spectators with only passive involvement in the program
• competition and comparison with others is emphasised, either deliberately or subconsciously
• children may receive significantly less opportunity to actually practice the skills involved in the sport at a time when practice is vital
• children who are stronger, more mature or more skilled in the activity succeed and enjoy their sport, while a significant number are at risk of dropping out of that sport or sport in general.

It should be noted that research continues to suggest that early specialisation or competition does not increase a child's chances of reaching elite adult status in that sport. The comparatively recent introduction of formal organised competitions for under-eight and even under-six age groups has been accompanied by an increase in the number of children dropping out of sport, especially as they reach the junior secondary age group.

Research has also showed that children at these young ages do not understand the concept of the team and need to be introduced to it slowly.

Introducing a five or six-year-old to the same sporting program as a 10 or 15-year-old or adult is unrealistic and inappropriate.

Modifications are made to sport to suit the needs of the participants at all levels. Competitions are modified for elite players, veterans, those more and less serious about their chosen sport, and people with disabilities, as well as for beginners at all ages.

In many of these cases participants can choose their level of involvement. Young children, on the other hand, cannot decide for themselves so the decision about what is best for them is often made by someone else.