PREVENTING YOUTH SPORT BURNOUT

by Susan E. Stoker

Sport is not only physically challenging, but it can also be mentally challenging. Criticism from coaches, parents, and other teammates, as well as pressure to win can create an excessive amount of anxiety or stress for young athletes. Stress can be physical, emotional, or psychological, and research has indicated that it can lead to burnout. Burnout has been described as dropping/quitting of an activity that was at one time enjoyable.

The early years of development are critical years for learning about oneself. The sport setting is one where valuable experiences can take place. Young athletes can, for example, learn how to cooperate with others, make friends, and gain other social skills that will be used throughout their lives. Coaches and parents should be aware, at all times, that their feedback to youngsters can greatly effect their children. Youngsters may take their parents' and coaches' criticisms to heart and find a flaw in themselves.

Coaches and parents should also be cautious that youth sport participation does not become work for children. The outcome of the game should not be more important than the process of learning the sport and other life lessons. In today's youth sport setting, young athletes may be worrying more about who will win instead of enjoying themselves and the sport. Following a game, many parents and coaches focus on the outcome and find fault with youngsters' performances. Positive reinforcement should be provided regardless of the outcome. Research indicates that positive reinforcement motivates and has a greater effect on learning than criticism. Again, criticism can create high levels of stress, which can lead to burnout.

Coaches should know more about their sport than teaching skills, conditioning, or basic first aid. Knowledge concerning the psychological aspect of coaching, especially the prevention of burnout, is also needed. Some basic suggestions from researchers (Gould, Udry, Tuffey, Loehr, 1996) include:

• Teach young athletes and parents how to manage stress.
• Keep travel time down.
• Do not overuse "playing up" (younger athletes competing against older athletes).
• Players should have some input in training.
• Use positive reinforcement instead of criticism.
• Set goals that are realistic.

It is difficult for parents to let go and allow a coach to do her/his job. The coaches are there, however, to help and guide youngsters through the sport. Done right, coaches can help build self-respect in the youth on a team. Martens and Seefeldt (1979) gave these suggestions for parents:

• During the game, stay seated in the bleachers.
• Do not yell to the children about how to play or about what they are doing wrong.
• Comments to young athletes, parents of opposing team, officials, or league administrators should not be derogatory.
• During the game, do not interrupt what the coach is telling the athletes. Parents must be willing to give up the responsibility of their children to the coach during the game.

Coaches and parents can prevent burnout by working together in youth sport. Youngsters will be able to develop self-respect in a positive sport environment.

References:

Gould, D., Tuffey, S., Udry, E., & Loehr, J. (1996). Burnout in Competitive Junior Tennis Players: II. Qualitative Analysis. The Sport Psychologist, 10, 341-365.

Martens, R., & Seedfeldt, V. (1979) Guidelines for Children's Sports. American Alliance For Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Reston, VA., 42. Francisco, California: W.H. Freeman and Company.

Susan Eileen Stoker is a member of the Sport Psychology Research Team at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She is currently working on her Bachelors of Arts degree in Sport Psychology and certification in Athletic Training.

01/17/00