important to remember that youth sport research is where it is today because of the vision and achievement of pioneering scholars who forged the path in areas of study ( Weiss, 2016 ; Wiggins, 2013 ). Psychology researchers with interest in sport as a developmental context have largely ignored the long
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Youth Sport Motivation and Participation: Paradigms, Perspectives, and Practicalities
Maureen R. Weiss
The Past Is Prologue: A Developmental Kinesiologist’s Journey Up a Mountain
Jane E. Clark
behavior changes across our life span. Not surprisingly, then, this paper is “developmental” in its structure. To give the reader a sense of what it means to be a developmentalist, I will start with a backdrop that forms the basis of my scientific perspective and research work. Years ago, I created a
Social Psychological and Developmental Perspectives on Early Sport Specialization
Thelma S. Horn
One of the primary dilemmas surrounding the topic of early sport specialization is whether the practice develops talent or creates long-term psychological problems. The purpose of this paper is to discuss this issue using psychosocial and developmental frameworks. This review begins with an overview of several developmentallybased constructs (e.g., biological maturation, perceived competence, body image, self-identity, motivational orientation) that are relevant to the sport domain. These developmental progressions are then used to address some potential implications for children who begin intensive training and competition at an early age. Next, some socioenvironmental factors are explored, with specific links made to the early sport specialization process. Finally, the paper ends with four recommendations for future research on the topic.
Concussion in Youth Sport: Developmental Aspects
Tracey Covassin, Kyle M. Petit, and Morgan Anderson
/symptoms, prevalence), concussion education and awareness, concussion assessment and management, concussion recovery and return to play, concussion treatment, and future research and recommendations for youth sport stakeholders. We also address sex and developmental considerations throughout this review. In reviewing
Developmental Trajectories in Early Sport Specialization: A Case for Early Sampling from a Physical Growth and Motor Development Perspective
Jacqueline D. Goodway and Leah E. Robinson
This commentary examines the argument for early sport specialization versus sport sampling from a physical growth and motor development perspective. Three developmental frameworks are examined (Mountain of Motor Development, Developmental Model of Sport Participation, Spirals of Engagement Trajectory model) to make the case that a broad base of fundamental motor skill competence is necessary in the early years before sport specialization in the adolescent years. Early sport specialization is criticized from the standpoint of increased risk for overuse injury, concerns about long-term growth, and the fact that early and intense practice schedules often do not differentiate elite versus nonelite athletes. A strong argument is made for early sport sampling to acquire a broad base of fundamental motor skills to apply to different sports, and to allow physical maturity to develop before specializing in sport. Such an approach also better equips a child to be active across the lifespan.
The Dropout From Youth Sport Crisis: Not as Simple as It Appears
Anthony Battaglia, Gretchen Kerr, and Katherine Tamminen
developmental benefits organized sport has to offer ( Cobley & Moulds, 2023 ; Fraser-Thomas et al., 2016 ). Youth physical inactivity is identified as a problem worldwide due to the short- and long-term consequences for health and well-being (e.g., diabetes, mental health concerns; Batista et al., 2019
Making High School Sport Impactful
Stéphanie Turgeon, Kelsey Kendellen, Sara Kramers, Scott Rathwell, and Martin Camiré
compete in organized interscholastic leagues that lead to end-of-season championships ( Camiré & Kendellen, 2016 ). In North America, high school sport represents a developmental-level context, characterized by a strong commitment from student-athletes and team selections based on skills tryouts ( Trudel
Examining the Impact of Coaches’ Feedback Patterns on the Psychosocial Well-Being of Youth Sport Athletes
Thelma S. Horn
, developmental, and sport psychology fields. Key #1: Providing Higher Rates of Positive and Informationally Based Feedback The first key to effective feedback centers around its content. Interest in this component was initially based on the cognitive-mediational model of coach–athlete interactions ( Smoll, Smith
Motor Patterns Acquired Early in Life, the Brain-Behavior Coalition, and the Importance of Context
Ryota Nishiyori and Beverly D. Ulrich
coupling between the brain and behavior. Developmental theory and neuroscience support this principle, but only recently has technology advanced sufficiently to allow us to begin testing these proposals. Thus, our goals for this paper are to 1. review briefly some classic motor patterns that emerge during
Cheering for the Children: My Life’s Work in Youth Development Through Sport
Maureen R. Weiss
sources and processes influencing youths’ physical, social, and psychological development through sport participation. This recounting has evoked many memories, some more nostalgic than others. Consistent with the developmental perspective I employ in my research and practical applications ( Weiss, 2004