Youth Sport Participation Research Articles

Relative Age Effect in Physical Fitness of South Portugal Students between 10 and 18 Years Old.

Relative age is a phenomenon broadly studied in sport sciences. Youth sports participants born earlier in the selection year tend to present a maturational advantage over their peers. As it is also dependent on physical performance, older physical education students may also benefit from this effect in this school subject. The main goal of this manuscript was to determine whether the relative age effect is present within physical fitness outcomes of Portuguese children and adolescents. The physical–aerobic fitness, strength, flexibility and body composition of 885 students (490 females and 395 males) were collected and compared by quarters of birth, segmented by gender and age groups (10–12; 12–14; 14–16 and 16–18 years). The results reveal a moderate to small effect in physical fitness outcomes, with a trend for children and adolescents born in the early part of the year to present higher performance levels. These differences were more evident in ages closer to the physical maturational onset (12–14 y) and more apparent in male students. This physical fitness advantage may lead to a biased assessment and development of students born earlier in the year.

SPORT FACTORS AS CORRELATES OF SMOKING, DRINKING AND MULTIPLE SUBSTANCE MISUSE IN ADOLESCENCE: CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Sport participation is frequently considered as protective factor against substance misuse (SUM) in adolescence, but there is an evident lack of empirical studies which examined this problem taking into account various facets of sport participation (sport factors). This study aimed to evaluate possible associations between various sport factors and SUM in older adolescents from Croatia. The sample comprised 788 adolescents (16-to 18 years of age, 45% females). Variables included sport factors (participation in individual and team sports, competitive achievement in sports, and experience in sports), and SUM data (cigarette smoking, harmful alcohol drinking (HD), and simultaneous HD and smoking [multiple-SUM]). Boys were more involved in sports, and were more likely to be engaged in HD and MSUM than girls. Logistic regressions provided no evidence about significant association between sport factors, and smoking and HD. Sport factors were significantly associated to multiple-SUM, with lower likelihood of MSUM in adolescents who achieved better sport success (OR: 0.57, 95%CI: 0.40-0.78), who were involved in individual sports (OR: 0.71, 95%CI: 0.50-0.91), and team sports (OR: 0.80, 95%CI: 0.56-0.99). Sport factors may be observed as being protective against multiple-SUM, which is explained by characteristics of the sport participation in youth (i.e. orientation toward success, age-bonding, adult supervision).

The Relationship Between Youth Sport Participation and Aggressive and Violent Behaviors: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Objective: This scoping review investigates the literature to understand what is known about the relationship between sport participation and aggressive and violent behaviors in youth. Method: We reviewed the literature to summarize evidence and identify gaps in published research. The study was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute framework for conducting systematic scoping reviews. Results: Findings suggest that there is an association between youth populations and sport contexts and that other mechanisms and factors (e.g., social environment, social agents, performance/winning) influence the onset of and/or adherence to aggression and violent behavior. Younger male youth of color who live in urban communities and participate in competitive, team-based contact sports may be at higher risk for aggressive and violent behavior. Conclusions: By understanding the relationship between sport and violence, social workers and other service professionals who use sport as an intervention and/or work with youth within sport systems can more intentionally design and facilitate these settings to enhance the healthy development of all youth, particularly those most at risk for the onset and/or adherence of behavioral health problems.

Youth sport participation and physical activity in rural communities

BackgroundPhysical activity, a high-frequency health behavior, varies by where children live, learn, and play. Children accumulate physical activity in adult-led in-school and out-of-school settings. Youth sport is a potential setting for physical activity, but there are differences in youth sport participation based on age, sex, and socioeconomic status. There is a gap in understanding demographic influences on youth sport participation and how these factors interact to influence physical activity. This study examines influences of grade, sex, and family income on youth sport participation and these factors and youth sport participation on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity of children in rural communities.MethodsChildren (n = 418 3rd–6th graders) living in two rural communities completed the online Youth Activity Profile as part of Wellscapes, a type 3 hybrid implementation-effectiveness community randomized trial. Mixed models with community as a random effect examined main effects and interactions of grade, sex, and family income on youth sport participation and these factors and youth sport participation on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.ResultsAbout 80% of children engaged in youth sport, and full-pay lunch students were almost four times more likely to have youth sport participation than students with free/reduced lunch (OR = 3.91, 95% CI = 1.95, 7.8). Females and 6th graders (p < 0.05) had lower physical activity than comparison groups. Males with higher family income had greater physical activity; females with higher family income had less physical activity. For 6th graders, high family income had less effect on physical activity than similar 3rd-5th graders (p < 0.01).ConclusionsWhile a fairly high percentage of children participate in youth sports, there are disparities in rural communities on youth sport participation and physical activity outcomes based on age, sex, and family income.

Shifting the Paradigm: A Constructivist Analysis of Agency and Structure in Sustained Youth Sport Participation.

To examine the impact of the relationship between agency and structure on sustained participation in youth sport, semi-structured interviews were conducted with male college soccer players. The participants' accounts (N = 20) of their youth careers were analyzed through the lens of Structuration Theory (ST) framed in a constructivist paradigm. ST supports the significance of the recursive relationship between agent and structure in-context in the co-construction of experiences, and provides a framework for analyzing effects of compounding experiences gained across time and space as they influence sport continuation. Clarity of expectations imposed in-context and the athlete's perceived impact on the structure evidenced, through deductive thematic analysis, as the most salient determinants of the perceived valence of the youth sport environment. The agent's perceived holding of authoritative resources across time and contexts was a critical dimension of the participants' continuation in youth sport, substantiating ST as a theoretical lens, situated in a constructivist paradigm, that might add depth to understanding patterns in participation and attrition.

Increased incidence of acute patellar dislocations and patellar instability surgical procedures across the United States in paediatric and adolescent patients.

PurposePatellofemoral instability is a common cause of knee pain and dysfunction in paediatric and adolescent patients. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the frequency of patellar dislocations seen in emergency departments (EDs) and the rates of surgical procedures for patellar instability at paediatric hospitals in the United States between 2004 and 2014.MethodsThe Pediatric Health Information System database was queried for all paediatric patients who underwent surgery for patellar instability or were seen in the ED for acute patellar dislocation between 2004 and 2014. This was compared with the annual numbers of overall orthopaedic surgical procedures.ResultsBetween 2004 and 2014, there were 3481 patellar instability procedures and 447 285 overall orthopaedic surgical procedures performed at the included institutions, suggesting a rate of 7.8 per 1000 orthopaedic surgeries. An additional 5244 patellar dislocations treated in EDs were identified. Between 2004 and 2014, the number of patellar instability procedures increased 2.1-fold (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4 to 3.0), while orthopaedic surgical procedures increased 1.7-fold (95% CI 1.3 to 2.0), suggesting a 1.2-fold relative increase in patellar instability procedures, compared with total paediatric orthopaedic surgeries.ConclusionThis study shows a significant rise in the rate of acute patellar instability treatment events in paediatric and adolescent patients across the country. Surgery for patellar instability also increased over the study period, though only slightly more than the rate of all paediatric orthopaedic surgical procedures. This may suggest that increasing youth sports participation may be leading to a spectrum of increasing injuries and associated surgeries in children.Level of EvidenceIV

Does life skills development within sport predict the social behaviours and sports values of youth futsal players?

ABSTRACT The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether life skills development in sport helps predict the social behaviours and sport values of youth futsal players. Participants included 113 Brazilian male futsal players (Mage = 13.52 years, SD = 1.32). Data collection was conducted via the Life Skills Scale for Sport (LSSS), the Prosocial and Antisocial Behavior in Sport Scale (PABSS) and the Youth Sport Values Questionnaires 2 (YSVQ-2). Multiple regression analyses found that all eight life skills combined influenced participants’ behaviour towards teammates, moral values, status, and competence in futsal. Goal setting, emotional skills, and communication skills negatively predicted antisocial behaviours towards teammates. Teamwork, goal setting, and communication positively predicted participants’ moral values and competence; whereas, emotional skills and leadership negatively predicted moral values and competence. Both teamwork and time management positively predicted participants’ status in futsal. In practice, the results suggest that coaches and parents should encourage youth sport participants to develop their life skills through sport. Developing life skills through sport should help prevent antisocial behaviours towards teammates and generally promote participants’ moral values, status and competence in sport.

Soccer, concussions, and safety: Perceptions of parents of youth soccer participants

Introduction: The rate of concussions in youth soccer is among the highest of all youth sports. Parents play an important role in caring for their children and making decisions regarding whether they should participate in a sport, such as soccer, where concussions are well known. This study examined parental perceptions regarding: (a) coaches’ role in concussion management, (b) heading restriction policies, and (c) overall concussion risk and participation issues. Method: Online surveys were completed by 419 parents of youth soccer players who participated in the largest U.S. youth soccer programs nationwide. Results: Findings indicated 44.5% of the respondents had considered keeping their children from playing organized soccer and 47.2% were concerned about a potential decline in youth soccer participation due to concussions. Nearly 69% of responding parents agreed that heading should be banned for participants 10 years old or younger, while 56.5% thought heading should not be limited for participants 13 or older. Only 35% of parents were very confident about their child’s coach’s ability to properly identify concussions and remove those suspected of a concussion from play. Parents’ socioeconomic status (SES), soccer coaching and playing experience, and previous history of concussion(s) were key predictors of greater perceived risk about concussions. Conclusions: Findings from this study shed light on parents’ perceptions about concussions and related safety issues in youth soccer. Understanding what parents believe about concussions is vital to preserve youth soccer participation and can be used to strengthen education and policies that promote a safer environment for youth sport participants. Practical Applications: Youth soccer coaches can benefit from stronger, comprehensive educational efforts at the league/club level. Additionally, parents of youth athletes who are in the lower SES communities should be targeted to receive concussion safety information and/or interventions that would improve their knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding concussion safety.

Financial and medical burdens of youth sports specialization: survey of pediatric sports patients

The trend towards youth sports specialization has led to increased costs from higher injury rate and from private club fees. The aim of this study was to represent the financial and medical burdens of sports specialization with single sport participation or club sports involvement. An 18-item survey on sports participation and musculoskeletal injury was administered to parents of patients visiting the clinic of a pediatric sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon over a three-month period. Comparisons were made between groups to identify differences in medical and financial burdens. Logistic regressions were performed to evaluate Odds Ratios for binary outcomes. Club athletes were significantly younger than non-club athletes (12.9±3.1 years versus 14.9±2.8 years, P=0.0002) with club athletes starting sports at average of 7.2±3.1 years. Club sports participation (adjusted OR 5.88, 95% CI: 1.10, 31.4) and female sex (adjusted OR 3.47, 95% CI: 1.12, 10.74) were significant predictors of spending >$1000 USD on sports annually. Multisport participation (OR 5.72, 95% CI: 1.21, 26.96) and spending >$1000 on sports annually (OR 17.21, 95% CI: 1.49, 199.25) were significant predictors of presenting to clinic for a sports-related injury. Single sport athletes had a higher number of medical appointments for sports injuries (18.6±23.0 versus 9.3±10.0 for multisport, P=0.0042). Youth sports specialization is of substantial financial and medical burden to families. This data can help identify areas of intervention to mitigate injury risk and reduce financial barriers to youth sports participation.

Are Latinx youth getting in the game? The effects of gender, class, ethnicity, and language on Latinx youth sport participation

Within the United States, sport has historically been a site for public struggles about equality. Despite the benefits of athletics, US Latinx youth (especially teenage girls) are less likely than other ethnoracial groups to participate in sports. Previous research has shown that gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and language affect sport participation. This study examines those influences on Latinx sport involvement and explores how those factors differ for boys and for girls. Data on sport participation was collected for a subset of eighth and tenth graders (n = 15,766) that participated in the Monitoring the Future study. Regression analysis shows that boys were more likely than girls to play sports and that the influence of socioeconomic status was slightly stronger among girls. Sport participation was higher in native-English-speaking girls than among girls who learned English as a second language. These findings have implications for professionals who work with Latinx adolescents.

Exploring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Youth Sport and Physical Activity Participation Trends

The COVID-19 pandemic offers youth sport organizations the opportunity to anticipate consumer behaviour trends and proactively improve their program offerings for more satisfying experiences for consumers post-pandemic. This conceptual paper explores potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on changing youth sport and physical activity preferences and trends to inform sport and physical activity providers. Drawing from social ecology theory, assumptions for future trends for youth sport and physical activity are presented. Three trends for youth sport and physical activity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are predicted: (1) youths’ preferences from organized to non-organized contexts become amplified; (2) reasons for participating in sport or any physical activity shift for youth as well as parents/guardians; (3) consumers reconceptualize value expectations from youth sport and physical activity organizations. The proposed assumptions need to be tested in future research. It is anticipated that sport organizations can respond to changing trends and preferences by innovating in three areas: (1) programming, (2) marketing, and (3) resource management.

Development and initial validation of the Life Skills Scale for Sport – Transfer Scale (LSSS-TS)

ObjectivesThe aim of this research was to develop and provide initial validity and reliability evidence for a scale that assesses life skills transfer from sport. MethodTwo studies were conducted to develop the Life Skills Scale for Sport – Transfer Scale (LSSS-TS). Study 1 involved a review of the literature investigating life skills transfer and resulted in the development of 88 initial items representing six key transfer areas: school/education, home/family, community, social settings, employment, and other life domains. During this study, the content validity of the items was endorsed by 10 experts and a pilot study conducted with 72 participants provided further validity evidence for the scale and an assessment of its use in practice. Study 2 included 321 youth sport participants and refined the scale further using the results of factor analysis and descriptive statistics. ResultsStudy 1 resulted in the development of the initial 64-item LSSS-TS and provided content validity evidence for all items. Study 2 led to the refinement of the scale to 40-items and supported the factor structure and internal consistency reliability of the scale. ConclusionsCollectively, these studies provided initial evidence for the validity and reliability of the LSSS-TS; a measure which can be used by researchers and practitioners to assess participants' perceived life skills transfer from sport to other domains.

Youth Sports Participation Is More Important among Females than Males for Predicting Physical Activity in Early Adulthood: Iowa Bone Development Study.

A gender difference in youth sports and physical activity participation is well documented. However, research is limited to understand potential gender difference in the long-term effects of youth sports participation. The study aim was to compare the likelihood of meeting the aerobic Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG) in early adulthood by youth sports participation patterns among females and males. The study sample included 582 Iowa Bone Development Study participants (Iowa, USA). Participation in organized sports was assessed using a physical activity questionnaire 19 times on average between age 6 and 17 years. Accelerometer and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry assessments were conducted at an average age of 23 years. Group-based trajectory analysis was conducted to identify youth sports participation trajectory patterns. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between youth sports participation patterns and meeting the PAG in adulthood. We identified three youth sports participation patterns: “continuous participation,” “drop-out,” and “no participation.” Females in the continuous participation group were more likely to meet the aerobic PAG at age 23 years, compared to females in the no-participation group (OR = 2.63; 95% CI = 1.05, 6.55) or the drop-out group (OR = 2.55; 95% CI = 1.38, 4.69). However, among males, youth sports participation patterns were not significantly associated with meeting the aerobic PAG at age 23 years. In conclusion, this study suggests that youth sports participation could be more important among females than males for predicting physical activity in early adulthood.

Thriving in youth sport: the antecedents and consequences

ABSTRACT Thriving, “a psychological state composed of the joint experience of vitality and learning (Spreitzer, Sutcliffe, Dutton, Sonenshein, & Grant [2005]. A socially embedded model of thriving at work. Organization Science, 16(5), 537–549.)” might offer further insight into the problem of youth sport development research. The purpose of the study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying thriving within a youth sport context. More specifically, the present study considered the perspective of Self-Determination Theory and in particular, how hedonic and eudaimonic motives, as antecedents of thriving, influenced youth athletes’ outcomes (i.e., intention to continue sport, subjective well-being in sport, and goal progress), consequences of thriving. 196 youth sport participants answered an online survey. Path analysis was conducted to test our hypotheses. We used the bias-corrected bootstrap procedure to examine the hypothesised indirect effects. Our results showed that both hedonic and eudaimonic motives were positively related to all outcome variables (intention to continue sport, subjective well-being in sport, and goal progress) through both the basic psychological need satisfaction and thriving. Thriving is an important psychological concept that can facilitate youth athletes to acquire important outcomes for youth sport participation.

Pediatric Sports-Related Concussion: An Approach to Care.

Sports-related concussion (SRC) is a common sports injury in children and adolescents. With the vast amount of youth sports participation, an increase in awareness of concussion and evidence that the injury can lead to consequences for school, sports and overall quality of life, it has become increasingly important to properly diagnose and manage concussion. SRC in the student athlete is a unique and complex injury, and it is important to highlight the differences in the management of child and adolescent concussion compared with adults. This review focuses on the importance of developing a multimodal systematic approach to diagnosing and managing pediatric sports-related concussion, from the sidelines through recovery.

“The relationship was a big success – the bond”: Exploring coaching strategies to foster life skills development in Eswatini

Coaches are uniquely positioned to foster both the implicit and explicit pathways of life skills development for youth sport participants. This study explored the coaching strategies that promote life skills development in Southern Africa, using rigorous, contextually-relevant, and culturally-attuned research and programming that is designed and implemented by local staff and a local researcher. This was achieved by studying a 3-week sport-based positive youth development program that was implemented at a community-based organization in a community in Eswatini. Participants were socially vulnerable youth (N = 48) in grades 6–7, coaches (N = 3), and the grade 6–7 afternoon class teacher. Data collection involved separate focus groups with the coach and youth participants, field notes from direct observation of the program sessions, and an interview with the teacher. Content analysis was used to inductively analyze the data, which was subsequently deductively categorized according to Bean and colleagues’ continuum of life skills development and transfer. Findings indicated that coaches employed both implicit (e.g. program design, positive coach-youth relationships, supporting mattering) and explicit (e.g. active learning strategies, discussion, reflection, focus on transfer) strategies to cultivate life skills development. Practical implications include the value of coaching strategies that are attuned to youth needs (e.g. lack of adult role models), cultural factors (e.g. local teaching norms, adult-youth relationship dynamics), and contextual challenges (e.g. behavior management). Future programming should consider situating coaching strategies in a holistic framework of experiential learning to optimize life skills development and transfer. Lay summary: Coaches are important figures in helping youth develop life skills through sport participation. This article discusses how, dependent on the cultural context and community challenges, coaching strategies need to be adapted to meet youth needs. This article identifies coaching strategies that meet youth needs in Southern Africa. Practical implications Coaching strategies need to be adapted to integrate cultural factors, address community challenges, and meet youth needs. Coaches and sport-based PYD program designers should consider the influence of the larger community and society in either promoting or hindering youths’ ability to transfer life skills to non-sport domains. Partnerships need to be created with the community in order to optimize youth life skills development. Coaching strategies should be situated within a holistic theory of experiential learning that can guide coaches in effectively facilitating life skills development and transfer.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) & youth sports participation: Does a gradient exist?

BackgroundExposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may be an important factor in understanding sport participation in youth. Yet, very little research has examined this relationship directly using nationally representative data from the United States. ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the associations between ACEs and sport participation in adolescents. MethodsUsing a 2017–2018 pooled dataset of the National Survey of Children’s Health [NSCH], survey weighted chi-squared analysis and multivariable logistic regressions were implemented to assess the association between ACEs and sport participation among youth aged 10–17 years, comparing those without reports of ACEs (ref) to those reporting ACEs. The sample was also stratified to examine gendered differences. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic and child health covariates (physical activity, gender, age, BMI, race/ethnicity, parent reported child health, parental educational attainment, family structure, health insurance coverage, year and mental health conditions). ResultsOf 23,557 youth included in our study (12,454 boys [51%], 11,303 girls [49%]; 21.9% reported 1 ACE, 10.1% reported 2 ACEs, and 14.3% reported 3 or more ACEs. In fully adjusted models, we observed significant associations between all levels of ACE exposure and decreased sport participation. When examined by gender, adjusted models revealed that only boys reporting 1ACE exhibited decreased odds of participating in sport OR = 0.70 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.89). ConclusionsACE exposure in adolescents is associated with reduced odds of sport participation. While sport is traditionally seen as an intervention for youth to build resilience, it may be prudent to consider targeted interventions that encourage sport participation in youth who experience ACEs. Special consideration may be needed for boys who experience ACEs. Additionally, the results suggest that utilising a trauma informed framework within the world of youth sport and sports medicine may be of value overall.

Do age and time of practice predict the development of life skills among youth futsal practitioners?

La práctica del deporte ha sido considerada una de las principales herramientas para el desarrollo de habilidades para la vida entre los jóvenes participantes en el deporte. Este estudio transversal investigó el papel predictivo de la edad y el tiempo de práctica en el desarrollo de habilidades para la vida entre 207 practicantes de futsal masculinos, con edades comprendidas entre 12 y 17 años, del estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron la Escala de habilidades para la vida deportiva y un cuestionario semiestructurado. El análisis de los datos se realizó a través del Análisis de varianza multivariante, la correlación de Spearman y la Regresión múltiple (p &lt;.05). Los resultados mostraron una diferencia significativa (p &lt;.05; rango η2 .036-.142) en todas las habilidades para la vida según el grupo de edad, evidenciando puntuaciones más altas para los adolescentes mayores. Además, los adolescentes más experimentados mostraron puntajes más altos en la meta sentada (p = .001, η2 = .074); resolución de problemas (p = .013, η2 = .042), comunicación (p = .003, η2 = .054) y habilidades para la vida total (p = .002, η2 = .057). Hubo una correlación significativa (p &lt;.05) y positiva entre la edad y casi todas las subescalas de habilidades para la vida. La regresión múltiple reveló que solo la edad presentaba predicciones positivas hacia las habilidades para la vida. Se puede concluir que la edad es un predictor del desarrollo de habilidades para la vida entre los jóvenes practicantes de fútbol sala. The practice of sports has been considered one of the main tools for the life skills development among youth sport participants. This cross-sectional study investigated the predicting role of age and time of practice in the development of life skills among 207 male futsal practitioners, aged between 12 and 17 years, from the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The instruments used were the Life Skills Scale for Sports and a semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted through Multivariate Analysis of Variance, Spearman’s correlation and Multiple Regression (p&lt;.05). The results showed significant difference (p&lt;.05; η2 range .036-.142) in all life skills according to age group, evidencing higher scores for older adolescents. Further, more experienced adolescents showed higher scores at goal seating (p=.001, η2=.074); problems solving (p=.013, η2=.042), communication (p=.003, η2=.054) and total life skills (p=.002, η2=.057). There was significant (p&lt;.05) and positive correlation between age and almost all life skills subscales. Multiple regression revealed only age presented positive prediction toward life skills. It can be concluded that age is a predictor of life skills development among youth futsal practitioners. A prática esportiva tem sido considerada uma das principais ferramentas para o desenvolvimento de habilidades para a vida entre jovens praticantes de esportes. Este estudo transversal investigou o papel preditivo da idade e do tempo de prática no desenvolvimento de habilidades para a vida em 207 praticantes de futsal do sexo masculino, com idades entre 12 e 17 anos, do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Os instrumentos utilizados foram a Escala de Habilidades para a Vida Esportiva e um questionário semiestruturado. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio da Análise Multivariada de Variância, correlação de Spearman e Regressão Múltipla (p &lt;0,05). Os resultados mostraram diferença significativa (p &lt;0,05; η2 variando de 0,036 a 0,142) em todas as habilidades para a vida de acordo com a faixa etária, evidenciando escores mais altos nos adolescentes mais velhos. Além disso, os adolescentes mais experientes apresentaram pontuações mais altas nos assentos para as metas (p = 0,001; η2 = 0,074); resolução de problemas (p = 0,013, η2 = 0,042), comunicação (p = 0,003, η2 = 0,054) e habilidades totais para a vida (p = 0,002, η2 = 0,057). Houve correlação significativa (p &lt;0,05) e positiva entre idade e quase todas as subescalas de habilidades para a vida. A regressão múltipla revelou que apenas a idade apresentou predição positiva em relação às habilidades para a vida. Pode-se concluir que a idade é um preditor do desenvolvimento de habilidades para a vida entre jovens praticantes de futsal.

An Innovative Approach to Increasing Youth Sport Participation: The Case of Baseball5™

Youth sport participation preferences are evolving and shifting toward unorganized, nontraditional types of sport participation. This trend has left more traditional sports with decreasing participation numbers. Baseball Canada noticed a similar trend and therefore implemented an innovative approach to increase interest and participation in baseball. This case study follows Alex, the Manager of Sport Development at Baseball Canada, as they develop and evaluate Baseball5™, an innovative street version of the traditional sport of baseball. This alternative form of baseball needs to be tested and evaluated in five pilot programs throughout Canada. Alex collects survey, interview, and focus group data following each of the pilot programs to determine whether the approach is viable for increasing interest in baseball long term. After reading the case, students are tasked with analyzing the collected data and designing the Baseball5™ program for long-term implementation. The case is ideal for upper year undergraduate students who have the skills and knowledge necessary to execute program evaluations and build holistic program implementation plans, and for undergraduate courses in research methods or data analysis.

Childhood Physical Fitness and Performance as Predictors of High School Sport Participation

ABSTRACT Participation in youth sport is positively associated with physical fitness and performance. The purpose of the current study was to examine if physical fitness measures during childhood and early adolescence predicted high school sport participation. Participants included youth in the Michigan State University Motor Performance Study. Measures consisted of the endurance shuttle run, Wells sit-and-reach, jump and reach, standing long jump, agility shuttle run and 30-yard dash. Individual, generalized estimating equation models were used to estimate the association between each measure and the odds of participating in high school sport. For both sexes, the endurance shuttle run and agility shuttle run were related to sport participation. For boys only, the long jump and 30-yard dash were also associated with sport participation. Better physical fitness and performance across several dimensions in childhood, including those related to motor skills, enhanced the likelihood of sport participation in high school.