Children's Sports Research Articles

Are the correlates of sport participation similar to those of screen time?

ObjectiveTo explore longitudinal and cross-sectional correlates of sport participation and screen time in a nationally representative sample of Australian children. MethodsThe sample included 3956 child participants taken from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Data were collected in 2004 (age range=4–5years) and 2012 (age range=12–13years) and included parental estimates of sport participation and total screen time (electronic gaming and television viewing) in addition to demographic, socioeconomic and environmental factors. ResultsSport participation and total screen time were inversely correlated (r= −.10). Child demographics (sex, pubertal status, general health, and body mass index [BMI]), socioeconomic (neighborhood socioeconomic position, household income, parental education, and parental BMI) and environmental (neighborhood belonging, neighborhood safety, and neighborhood facilities) factors were related to both outcomes — in most cases a positive [negative] correlation with sport participation yielded a corresponding negative [positive] correlation with total screen time. ConclusionOur findings show that demographic, socioeconomic and environmental factors measured at age 4 predict sport participation and screen time at age 12, and that the correlates of childhood sport participation and childhood sedentary behavior may be more similar than previously estimated.

Australian Parents' Perceptions of the Issues Faced by their Adolescent High Performance Sports Children in Balancing School and Sport

Abstract: The daily pressures faced by high-performance athletes who are still at school and juggling two full-time workloads are observed firsthand by their parents. As part of a larger study involving a 360o view of this issue, 19 athletes, 10 teachers, and 10 parents of Australian secondary school high-performance athletes were interviewed. This study reports on the parents' perspectives. Nine mothers and one father were interviewed about their views of the issues faced by their child in juggling commitments to both school and sport. Children of these parents performed at national or international levels in sport and attended either a non-government or government Australian secondary school. Interviews were recorded with a Livescribe™ pen and data was analysed with NVivo 10SP6TM to reveal themes of parental concerns. The most important issues that all parents identified were related to sibling relationships, physical demands faced by their child, financial sacrifices, and the pushy parent. A comparison of these findings with our previously published data from 19 Australian high-performance school-age athletes revealed some similarities and some differences between the perceptions of parents and athletes. Common issues identified by both groups related to physical stresses, financial sacrifices, and over the top parents. However, issues emphasised strongly by athletes but noted only minimally or not identified at all by parents included problems for the athletes with bullying at school, a reduced social life, management problems with schoolwork, and exposure to alcohol and drug-taking situations. Sibling rivalry and conflict were issues noted by all nine mothers but not reported as an issue by athletes. These different perceptions highlight areas that may reflect their relative importance to athletes and parents and this may have an impact on the effectiveness of the support parents provide for their child. Recommendations from this study include raising awareness of the athlete’s different views with parents and reinforcing the monitoring strategies parents can use to complement those used by coaches and teachers to gain a more comprehensive approach to assessing their child’s adaptation to stress.; Supporting data: https://doi.org/10.5064/F6ZP448B

Parental modeling, education and children's sports and TV time: The ENERGY-project

ObjectiveWe assessed whether differences in children's sports participation and television time according to parental education were mediated by parental modeling. Moreover, we explored the differences between parental and child reports on parental sports participation and television time as potential mediators. Methods5729 children and 5183 parents participating in the EuropeaN Energy balance Research to prevent excessive weight Gain among Youth (ENERGY-project) during 2010 in seven European countries provided information on sports participation and television time using validated self-report questionnaires. Multilevel country-specific mediation models analyzed the potential mediation effect of parental self-reports and child-reports on parental sports participation and television time. ResultsSignificant mediation effect was found for parental self-reported television time in four countries (Greece, Hungary, The Netherlands and Slovenia), with the highest proportion for Slovenia (40%) and the lowest for Greece (21%). Child-reported parental television time showed mediation effect in Greece only. Parental self-reported sports participation showed significant mediation effect only in Greece. With child-reported parental sports participation, significant mediation was observed in Greece and Norway. ConclusionsParental behaviors appear to be important in explaining parental educational differences in children's sports participation and television time. However, child reports on parental behavior appear to be more relevant than parents' self-reports as correlates of children's own sports participation and television time.

Social inequalities in young children's sports participation and outdoor play.

BackgroundResearch on social inequalities in sports participation and unstructured physical activity among young children is scarce. This study aimed to assess the associations of family socioeconomic position (SEP) and ethnic background with children’s sports participation and outdoor play.MethodsWe analyzed data from 4726 ethnically diverse 6-year-old children participating in the Generation R Study. Variables were assessed by parent-reported questionnaires when the child was 6 years old. Low level of outdoor play was defined as outdoor play <1 hour per day. Series of multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to assess associations of family SEP and ethnic background with children’s sports participation and outdoor play.ResultsSocioeconomic inequalities in children’s sports participation were found when using maternal educational level (p < 0.05), paternal educational level (p < 0.05), maternal employment status (p < 0.05), and household income (p < 0.05) as family SEP indicator (less sports participation among low SEP children). Socioeconomic inequalities in children’s outdoor play were found when using household income only (p < 0.05) (more often outdoor play <1 hour per day among children from low income household). All ethnic minority children were significantly more likely to not to participate in sports and play outdoor <1 hour per day compared with native Dutch children. Adjustment for family SEP attenuated associations considerably, especially with respect to sports participation.ConclusionLow SEP children and ethnic minority children are more likely not to participate in sports and more likely to display low levels of outdoor play compared with high SEP children and native Dutch children, respectively. In order to design effective interventions, further research, including qualitative studies, is needed to explore more in detail the pathways relating family SEP and ethnic background to children’s sports participation and outdoor play.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12966-014-0155-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Children's learning of tennis skills is facilitated by external focus instructions

The present study examined the effects of instructions promoting external versus internal foci of attention on the learning of a tennis forehand stroke in 11-year old children. Three groups of participants practiced hitting tennis balls at a target. External focus group participants were instructed to direct their attention to the movement of the racquet, while participants in the internal focus group were asked to direct their attention to the movements of their arm. Participants in a control group did not receive attentional focus instructions. Two days after the practice phase (60 trials), learning was assessed in retention and transfer tests. The results showed that the external focus group demonstrated greater accuracy in hitting a target relative to the two other groups in retention, and relative to the internal focus group in transfer. We conclude that instructions inducing an external focus of attention can enhance children's sport skill learning.

Asthma identification and medication administration forms in New York City schools

Asthma identification and medication administration forms in New York City schools

The Role of Family in Motivating the Children with Disabilities to do Sport

This study aims to research the role of family in motivating the children with disabilities to do sport. Data collection tool, prepared by the researcher, was used to reach the demographic information of children with disabilities and their parents. It was applied on the parents of the children with disabilities (mental disabilities, hearing impairment, visual impairment, physical disabilities and autism) receiving special education in special education and rehabilitation centers. A total of 164 parents, 132 mothers and 32 fathers, participated in the research voluntarily (41.68±9,31years). Pearson's chi-squared test was used to find out whether there was a relationship between the variables. It was determined that 37.2% of the parents did sport (n=61) and the most preferred sports were walking and swimming. It was set forth that the children of 72.1% of the parents who did sport also did sport and among the highly preferred sports were also walking and swimming. Another finding was that 51.5% of the children of 62.8% of the total parents, who said they did not do sport as they had no time, (n=103) did not also do sport and that the reason for these parents not to motivate their children to do sport was disabilities of the children and that these parents had never thought to have their children do sport. According to Pearson's chi-squared test, a significant relation was found between the families’ sport participation and the children's sport participation (p<0.05). In conclusion, it was put forth that families had a motivating role in their handicapped children's sport participation and that there was a significant relation between the families’ sport participation and their handicapped children's sport participation.

Gender stereotypes as a determinant of participation in sports in childhood

Introduction Even today, negative stereotypes and patterns of inequality still exist that determine women's participation in sports. In the case of girls, adherence to the principle of equality in sports during schooling gradually declines from preadolescence onwards. The objective of this study was to analyse children's participation in municipal sports schools and determine whether it reflected the gender stereotypes reported in the specialist literature [1] , [2] , [3] . Methods Using a qualitative approach, the specialist literature was reviewed to identify traits associated with male sports activities (strength, stamina, more active, aggressive, risk) and female sports activities (rhythm, expression, elasticity, flexibility, coordination). The sample consisted of children ( n = 3506) participating in the various sports activities offered by the Municipal Sports Schools in the 2012/2013 season and aimed at children of both sexes aged 7–11 years. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results Overall participation in sports was higher among boys (51.5%) than girls (48.5%). The highest rates of participation were observed in activities associated with male traits (handball 72.6%, futsal 91.3%, hockey 88.9%, Leon wrestling 57.9%, rugby 66.7%), compared with those in which the female traits described in the literature predominated (rhythmic and artistic gymnastics 98.8% – 81.8%, volleyball 94.6%). However, the data also revealed that female participation was higher in activities such as athletics and basketball. Conclusions From infancy, gender role socialisation and social and cultural pressures inculcate socially acceptable gender practices. Coeducation and the involvement of various social agents would enhance adherence to sport, especially among girls.

Relationship between Sports Participation and Difficulties of Sports in Children with DCD

Relationship between Sports Participation and Difficulties of Sports in Children with DCD

Parental Monitoring of Children’s Media Consumption

Although children's media consumption has been one of the most robust risk factors for childhood obesity, effects of specific parenting influences, such as parental media monitoring, have not been effectively investigated. To examine the potential influences of maternal and paternal monitoring of child media exposure and children's general activities on body mass index (BMI) in middle childhood. A longitudinal study, taken from a subsample of the Three Generational Study, a predominantly white, Pacific Northwest community sample (overall participation rate, 89.6%), included assessments performed from June 1998 to September 2012. Analyses included 112 mothers, 103 fathers, and their 213 children (55.4% girls) at age 5, 7, and/or 9 years. Participation rates ranged from 66.7% to 72.0% of all eligible Three Generational Study children across the 3 assessments. Parents reported on their general monitoring of their children (whereabouts and activities), specific monitoring of child media exposure, children's participation in sports and recreational activities, children's media time (hours per week), annual income, and educational level. Parental BMI was recorded. Predictions to level and change in child BMI z scores were tested. Linear mixed-effects modeling indicated that more maternal, but not paternal, monitoring of child media exposure predicted lower child BMI z scores at age 7 years (95% CI, -0.39 to -0.07) and less steeply increasing child BMI z scores from 5 to 9 years (95% CI, -0.11 to -0.01). These effects held when more general parental monitoring, and parent BMI, annual income, and educational level were controlled for. The significant negative effect of maternal media monitoring on children's BMI z scores at age 7 years was marginally accounted for by the effect of child media time. The maternal media monitoring effect on children's BMI z score slopes remained significant after adjustment for children's media time and sports and recreational activity. These findings suggest that parental behaviors related to children's media consumption may have long-term effects on children's BMI in middle childhood. They underscore the importance of targeting parental media monitoring in efforts to prevent childhood obesity.

The relationships of elementary school students' sports participation with optimism, humor styles, and school life satisfaction.

The purpose of this study is to elucidate the relationships of children’s sports participation with optimism, humor styles, and school life satisfaction. To achieve the study purpose, this study selected 150 subjects as a sample population among the elementary school senior students, currently participating in sports activities in metropolitan areas. As research methods, questionnaire papers were used and reliability analysis, factor analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were conducted by utilizing SPSS 18.0 after inputting analysis data into the computer. The study results, obtained in this study are as follows: First, the participation of children in sports had a significant effect on optimism. Second, in terms of the effect of children’s sports participation on humor styles, participation frequency, participation period, and participation intensity in sports had a significant effect on affiliative humor, while participation period had an effect on enhancing humor among the sub-factors of humor styles. Third, in terms of the effect of children’s sports participation on school life satisfaction, participation period had a significant effect on school life satisfaction; participation frequency had an effect on peer relations and regulation-observance; and participation intensity had an effect on peer relations and school life among the sub-factors of school life satisfaction.

Sport, fun and enjoyment: an embodied approach

1. Introduction: Sport and embodied pleasures 2. Theorising sport and body-reflexive pleasures 3. Fun and enjoyment in childhood sports and physical activity 4. Sport, fun and enjoyment for the 'non-sporty' 5. Sporting fun outside the margins 6. Personal reflections and shared stories 7. Conclusions

Monitoring of age composition of professional youth teams as a tool for analysis and evaluation of effectiveness of long-term training in football

The problem of training of sports reserve in professional football was analyzed. It is substantiated the role of monitoring as an important tool for control and evaluation of effectiveness of learning process in domestic children's sports schools, academies and professional teams. The study included analysis of the data from scientific works of domestic and foreign experts in the field of sports and football, legal documents PremierLeague and junior football league of Ukraine (the Application Form of commands). Statistical grouping was used to analyze the dynamics of the age factor in recruitment of professional teams through comparison «own trainee – legionnaire». The necessity of studying the age specificity of youth teams formation in Ukraine is demonstrated and approaches to improve long-term preparation of promising footballers are identified.

Overuse Injuries and Burnout in Youth Sports

Overuse Injuries and Burnout in Youth Sports

Effects of a Summer Treatment Program on Functional Sports Outcomes in Young Children with ADHD

Participation in youth sports can be very beneficial, but children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may participate less often and less successfully. The current study evaluated functional sports outcomes for children with ADHD who attended an intensive behavioral treatment program that included a sports training component, and it compared outcomes to children with ADHD who did not attend the program. Results suggest that treatment resulted in significant improvements in many aspects of children's sports functioning, including knowledge of game rules, in vivo game performance, and fundamental skill tasks (motor proficiency, ability to trap a soccer ball appropriately, reduced handball penalties in soccer, and improved ability to catch a baseball). Parents also reported improved sports skills and good sportsmanship in the treatment group. No differences between groups were evident on additional skill tasks evaluating accurately kicking a soccer ball, throwing a baseball, or hitting a baseball off a tee. These results suggest intensive behavioral intervention that includes sports training can significantly improve functional sports outcomes for young children with ADHD.

Objects for a “healthy lifestyle”: children's material culture and physical activities

Purpose – The aim of the research is to emphasise the role of material culture, and especially the role of objects related to physical activities, in children's socialization. It involves children's bodies but also symbolic meanings and values which introduce children to the universe of sport's consumption. Design/methodology/approach – The research is grounded on the construction of a system of objects related to children's physical activities in France. The production of a corpus of objects involves a methodological circle where the choice of the objects goes together with a reflexive analysis about the operations of categorization of objects. The analysis of objects require both technological and semiotical approaches. Findings – In the context of globalization and commodification of childhood, but also of the globalization and mediatization of sports, the research shows that objects for children's physical activities are inscribed in a double transformation: sportification of children's games and childification of sports. Research limitations/implications – The research focuses on material culture and does not investigate children's uses of the objects for physical activity and does not determine the process of their conception and design. Practical implications – The paper emphasises the difference between two faces of children's physical activities: spending calories and the development of motor skills and interpretative competences linked to sports' culture and children's mass culture. Originality Value – In contrast to the work done on food and digital culture, the field of children's physical activities and sports is not as well researched. This is especially the case for the objects designed for children and this research is one of the first in the field in international literature. It constitutes also the first attempt for including this topic in the worlds of children's consumption.

Body image and sport: a qualitative study

Previous research has overwhelmingly established a relationship between sport participation and the development of positive body image (BI) (Richman & Schaffer (2000), Shaffer & Wittes (2006) and Greenleaf et al (2009). However a number of studies have indicated some women are particularly vulnerable to the development of poor BI in relation to sports participation (Slater & Tiggeman, 2011). Due to the conflicting evidence, we have used an interpretive phenomenological framework to qualitatively explore women's experiences. Specifically we aimed to understand the perceived impact of sports participation and related commentary during childhood on adult body image. Participants were given the opportunity to suggest interventions which would improve their experiences of sports in relation to BI. Women indicated they started to think about their bodies from as young as 6 and 7. They remembered critical incidences that occurred during childhood sports which they perceived to influence their BI either in a positive or negative way. The awareness of their bodies has often come about through commentary from family or coaches, or through sporting uniforms. Suggestions for interventions have included mandatory education on overall health and food from as young as 6 in primary schools. This abstract was presented in the Body Image stream of the 2013 ANZAED Conference.

To the question of stability of the contingent of the engaged in judo sports groups of the Children's and Youth Sports School

To the question of stability of the contingent of the engaged in judo sports groups of the Children's and Youth Sports School

Population estimates of Australian children's exposure to food and beverage sponsorship of sports clubs

Sponsorship by manufacturers of unhealthy food can undermine the health promoting goals of sport. This study aimed to describe Australian children's exposure to organised sport, and compare time spent in specific sports with patterns of sponsorship of children's sport identified in previous studies. Cross-sectional survey on children's sport participation collected by proxy report using a random-digit-dialling survey of 3416 parents. Data from the 2009/10 Australian Sports Commission's Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey were used to calculate weekly total person-time exposure to sports for Australian children, as a product of median weekly exposure (minutes) and the number of children participating. Exposures for children in NSW were calculated based on population distribution. Based on a previous survey of sport clubs in NSW, cumulative weekly exposure to food/beverage sponsorship at sports clubs was estimated for children living in NSW. 77.3% of Australian children aged 5-14 participated in organised sport. In NSW, weekly total person-time exposure for children was highest for outdoor soccer (91,200 children×median frequency of 2 sessions per week of 1h duration=182,400h/week). Considering rates of sponsorship at different sports, children would be exposed to food/beverage sponsorship to the greatest extent for rugby league and outdoor cricket. Children's high frequency of participation in organised sport and time spent engaging in these activities highlights the potentially huge reach of food/beverage sponsorship promotions. Policy interventions to limit children's exposure to this sponsorship should target those sports that have both the highest levels of children's participation and food/beverage sponsorship arrangements.

Lexical Association (La Scale) and its Connection With Performing Sports in Childhood

Problem Statement: Creative personality is promoted in syllabus for all schools and activities, representing a step forward for science, with the purpose of opening new perspectives for future generations. Thus, we have to open new perspectives for youngsters, firstly by educating parents to take their children to sports clubs, and to give them a chance to avoid a sedenta ry life in front of computers. Nonetheless, computers help the process of their development, in spite of the fact that they block abilities which download information in their brains, as natural situations created in sports games and the art of reading are not solvable by pushing a button, but they need imagination, creativity, information update, and, moreover, they activate emotions, states, feelings which no other machine can produce. These feelings and emotions are factors that trigger the mechanism of lexical assosiation. Purpose of Study: This research started from the hypothesis according to which the capacity of lexical association is much more developed for individuals who perfomed sports in childhood, as compared to those who are part of the same group, but did not perform sports games in childhood. The research was undertaken on two groups: a group of 10 students who performed sports games (boys and girls), and another group represented by 17 students (boys and girls), who did not perform sports games. Research Methods: Bibliographic study method; observation method; investigation method (conversation, lexical association – LA scale, etc.); pedagogical experiment method; statistical-mathematic method; graphical method. Findings: The purpose of this research is to observe whether significant changes appear or not, regarding the intellectual-motric development, mirrored through the capacity and speed with which students realise lexical associations, for the two groups. Conclusions: As a conseqence, the game strategy combined with reading activities would appear to be the main strategy of knowledge, which trigger the mechanism of lexical associations in a slow and sure manner.