"The best time to instill values is when kids are younger," says Rob Gotlin, DO, author of Dr. Rob's Guide to Raising Fit Kids. "Parents often don't realize how easy it really is to instill the values of sportsmanship," he says. For kids—especially younger ones, ages 8 and under—the goals of youth sports should be physical activity and social interaction. "If we can remember this reality check on what sports is all about, we've laid the groundwork" for good sportsmanship, says Dr. Gotlin.
Even if—as is the practice in many leagues for little kids—there are no official winners or losers, having teams and uniforms introduces the idea of competition. So it's extra important that parents and coaches keep the emphasis on having fun, getting exercise, and playing together. Dr. Gotlin runs a youth basketball league and insists that players shake hands both before and after games. He also recommends that kids, coaches, and parents start the game with a group meeting to go over rules and remind everyone to just play and have a good time. If you won't be keeping score, let the kids know—and explain why, says Joel Fish, PhD, the director of the Center for Sports Psychology in Philadelphia.
At this age, low-pressure team sports are best. Being on the spot on the pitcher's mound or foul line is too much scrutiny for a young child, says Dr. Gotlin. Plus, in a sport like baseball, kids often spend too much time waiting around—and standing still. When they play soccer, they have to keep moving! No matter the type of sport your child plays, look for a league and a coach that emphasizes fun and fitness while de-emphasizing winning and losing; all team members should have plenty of opportunity to play and receive lots of positive feedback for their efforts.
