Abstract
In this mini-review, we draw attention to an important yet relatively untapped topic in the developmental pathway – the design of junior sport so that it appropriately matches the functional capacities of children. Junior sport is a regular weekend activity for many children across the world, yet many will be required to prematurely play on a field or with equipment that is designed for adults. Herein lies an opportunity for sport administrators to nurture children’s development in sport by appropriately manipulating the rules and dimensions of the game. The aim of this mini-review is to (1) draw attention to the value of scaling junior sport, (2) highlight paradoxes within the current scaling sport literature, and (3) emphasize a way forward for junior sport research. If we are genuine in our endeavor to tailor sports experiences for children, more sophisticated approaches to scaling those experiences are a must.
Highlights
Junior sport is a regular weekend activity for many children across the world
It should become clear that more sophisticated approaches to scaling junior sport are necessary if we are genuine in our endeavor to tailor sports experiences for children
Scaling junior sport is not a new concept, but it has become popular over the past decade
Summary
Junior sport is a regular weekend activity for many children across the world. It forms part of contemporary junior sport participation products or programs, often targeted at children aged 10 U, or features as the (only) pathway for retaining children in the game whom are transitioning out of these junior sport products. A longitudinal study of modified sport in Australia found that fewer than 25% of girls and 14% of boys transitioned from a (coach-led) modified sport program, designed for children aged 5–10 years, to club competitions that target players from 10 years of age (Eime et al, 2015). With this in mind, it is possible that sport authorities could better transition children into full-sized conditions by better scaling competition for some age groups and/or skill levels. It should become clear that more sophisticated approaches to scaling junior sport are necessary if we are genuine in our endeavor to tailor sports experiences for children
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
