Lincoln University sport and recreation expert Dr Roslyn Kerr is backing a move to address negative experiences that are driving too many youngsters away from sport.
The chief executives of Hockey NZ, Netball NZ, NZ Cricket, NZ Football, NZ Rugby and Sport NZ have signed a statement of intent, listing steps they will take to pave the way for substantial change in the way that young people experience sport.
Dr Kerr said there were many studies in academic literature indicating that children drop out of sport because they find the emphasis on winning and competition too much.
“When they ask parents about what they think children like about sport, parents often say that is what they believe children want, but when they actually ask children what they like about sport, it is all about fun and hanging out with their friends.
“This is very important for children’s overall wellbeing, quite aside from sporting aspirations.”
The group want to work with their sports and schools to keep minds open while identifying talent throughout the teen years, including reviewing the role and nature of national and regional representative tournaments to ensure that skill development opportunities are offered to more young people.
Dr Kerr endorsed this.
“Even in terms of athlete development, we know that children develop at very different rates and so identifying them too early isn’t actually effective for maximising performance.”