NBA, USA Basketball Partner Together To Create First-Ever Youth Basketball Guidelines

On September 22 of 2016, my "American Sport in the 21st Century" class discussed Youth Sport. We discussed the problems of youth sport and the benefits of youth sport. Youth sport is one of the most controversial topics as many parents approach their children's game with unrealistic expectations for their child.

Problems in youth sport

• Overemphasis on winning 
• Pressure by others to achieve success 
• Instilling unrealistic goals of stardom or professional stardom
• Over use (over training/burnout)

Benefits of Youth Sport

• Develops and Maintains fitness 
• Preperation for adulthood 
• Opportunity to learn values 
• Teaches interactive Skills
• Provides opportunities for leadership

The NBA has partnered with USA basketball to create the very first youth basketball guidelines. The NBA and the USA want to change the way athletes, parents and coaches experience the games while promoting the importance of health and fitness. The NBA has also started a Junior NBA week. The league established the Junior NBA week for teams to host clinics or invite young athletes to their open practices. With the result of this program, the NBA has received endorsements from Boys and Girls Club of America and the YMCA of USA. Having these endorsements is very important because majority of kids belong to a YMCA club where they are able to participate in physical activities. The Boys and Girls clubs is an after school program that allows kids to participate in activities that they might not have the chance to engage in.

They also have established a guideline to competition density. Many AAU basketball players are playing four to five games a weekend. With the research done, this has shown to increase injuries and could result in over use or burnout for young athletes. They have also stated the importance of having one day off a week especially at a competitive level. They also believe that each young athlete should have significant time away from organized basketball. I believe this is important, because for young athletes they have to engage in basketball long term, they have to experience other activities as well to find their true passion for basketball.

Scene from movie Trophy Kids

There is a great movie on Netflix titled Trophy Kids. This film documents parents that are extremely tough on their kids at a young age. Many young athletes feel the pressure from their parents to succeed and this can cause more pressure and take the enjoyment away from children. Growing up, my dad had pushed me hard with soccer, however it was not just him who he pushed. Majority of the motivation came from within and I believe that is because I was not forced to play soccer every hour of every day. I experimented with over activities and different sports and this led to my passion in soccer. I believe the NBA and USAB are doing a great deed here. They are trying to establish a platform for kids to have more enjoyment playing the sport of basketball. I believe the emphasis of multiple games played in a weekend needs to be addressed and the required break from competitive basketball is a must for young athletes.

Video Clip from Trophy Kids

http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2016/10/17/Leagues-and-Governing-Bodies/NBA-Youth.aspx?hl=a%20look%20at%20the%20past&sc=0