Ted Burden

Email: ted.burden@yahoo.com

My research looks into the increasingly level at which adolescents are withdrawing from sport and physical activity (PA) participation. Previous studies have shown that adolescents list various reasons for their departure, including but not limited to; other things to do, coaching conflicts, parental and peer pressures, etc. The theory behind my research is that the most cited reason for departure (other things to do) is where the problem truly exists. Most programs currently available fail to meet the “attractive” criteria for adolescents, when compared to their other options; being with friends, working, television and video games, social networking, etc.

Again, previous studies indicate that there must be negative external factors that eventually drive adolescents away from PA and sport participation. While this can explain some departure, choices at this level are now, more often than not, being made by the child instead of the parent. Therefore programs must appeal to the child, and just not become “a good thing for my child to be involved in” from the parental perspective. And so, will the adolescent feel that the time invested in PA, or sport practice, is worth the effort? I believe they will, if the program is; innovative, fun, and does not require a large time investment on the part of the adolescent.

The positive results from sport and PA participation are well documented; lower obesity and diabetes rates, rise in self-esteem, and improved psychosocial skills to name a few. Continued strides must be taken to ensure our PA and sport programs are meeting the needs of a more discriminating youth population.