A Parent's Guide to Youth Sports

Whether you're hoping your kid will be the next LeBron James or you just want him to get out of the house for a few hours each week, youth sports have their advantages. The American Academy of Pediatrics credits organized youth sports with everything from teaching kids about fairness to getting them active and learning rules. If you want your child to reap the benefits, choose wisely and make sure your own conduct is acceptable as you cheer him on.

  1. Choosing a Sport

    • Most schools and communities offer an array of sports, with everything from soccer to basketball, tennis to gymnastics. KidsHealth.org suggests that if your child shows an interest in a specific sport, start there. Commit to a season and see how he likes it. There's no harm in trying a number of sports to get the right fit. You'll also need to take into consideration factors such as practice times and lengths, level of physicality and safety. Thanks to a full menu of sports and activities, your child doesn't have to settle on just one sport forever.

    Safety First

    • As a parent, one of your first concerns should be with safety. Some sports carry less risk than others, but understanding the proper equipment and rules for physical contact can also help your child stay safe. Besides ensuring your child has the right equipment -- such as padding and helmets -- also look for safety factors such as access to drinking water and rest periods, playing areas that are kept in good repair and coaches that know basic first aid, warns the Iowa Boys High School Athletic Association.

    Teaching Good Sportsmanship

    • Perhaps one of the most important facets of youth sports is good sportsmanship. Good sportsmanship relates to how your child plays on the field, but also his actions off of the field. He'll look to your example, which is why you need to show respect for coaches and the other team at all times. Younger children may even play in leagues where scoring is disallowed, allowing for a better introduction to characteristics such as confidence, trying your best and working as a team. Encourage your child to listen to his coach and support his teammates -- whether he's the star on the team or just learning.

    Letting Kids Lead

    • If you played sports as a kid, you might be eager for your child to relive your "glory days" or experience the benefits of youth sports that you enjoyed. But it's important to remember that sports are activities for your child to learn, grow, get physical exercise and increase confidence. Let him lead when it comes to choosing the sport. By setting realistic goals together -- such as going to every practice or leaving each game feeling like he did his best -- your child can take the lead on youth sports and you can be there to support and celebrate his success.

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