Pointless Pressure Picture this. You have two wonderful kids that play competitive sports. You start to find that they do not enjoy it anymore, and that they do not have enough time to relax and just be kids. One day when they are older, you find that they’re using drugs to “be better” at the sport. Over the past few years, there has been a debate as to whether the kids should be forced to participate in Youth Competitive Sports or not. Many people argue that competitive sports will teach kids life lessons and keep them active. Others disagree and say that the costs of equipment, the injuries, and the stress are too much. Although some people say that playing sports will teach kids good life lessons, I believe that kids should not be forced …show more content…
In the article, “Pushing too Hard too Young” by Jacqueline Stenson the author wrote, “Youngsters may join more than one traveling team. They may have to sacrifice other interests and give up most of the time that allows them to just be kids.” (Stenson para. 2) This means that when kids are forced to play competitive sports they may have to give up other activities that give them the same benefits as sports, or even better benefits, and they don’t have enough down time to just be kids. In the article, “Pros and Cons of Sports Competition at a High School Level” by Grace Chen I read, “Furthermore, athletes can experience extreme physical pressures when too much is demanded from the, resulting in injuries from overuse or other physical ailments.” (Chen para. 14)This quote tells me that when kids are put under pressure they can get injured or get other physical problems. In the article, “For Children in Sports, a Breaking Point” by Jane E. Brody the author wrote, “But for many children and adolescents, the problem is the opposite of being sedentary. Encouraged by parents and coaches, many with visions of glory and scholarships, too many young athletes are being pushed-or are pushing themselves-to the point of breaking down, physically and sometimes emotionally.” (Brody para. 2) This shows me that with all the pressure kids and teens are being put under, they are pushing themselves to breaking down and getting