Why Children Play Why Children Play SportsSports

Dr. Aubrey H. FineDr. Aubrey H. Fine

Theories Explaining Why Theories Explaining Why Children Play in SportsChildren Play in Sports• Piagetian Theory– Play as an area in which children can

refine their developing skills

• Social Learning Theory– Children may play and learn sports

from watching others

• Arousal Theory– Sports are played as a stimulus-

seeking behavior

When children are at play they are, by definition, engaged

in an experience that is inherently

meaningful.

Results of Recreation & Leisure• Principal source of perceived

quality of life

• Reduces feelings of helplessness

• Sense of self-efficacy and empowerment

The 10 Most Important Reasons The 10 Most Important Reasons Why Children Play a School Why Children Play a School

SportSport1)To have fun

2)To improve my skills

3)To stay in shape

4)To do something I’m good at

5)For the excitement

The 10 Most Important The 10 Most Important Reasons Why Children Play Reasons Why Children Play

a School Sport – con’ta School Sport – con’t

• To get exercise

• To play as part of a team

• For the challenge of competition

• To learn new skills

• To win

The 11 Most Important The 11 Most Important Reasons Children Stop Reasons Children Stop

Playing a SportPlaying a Sport1)I lost interest

2)I was not having fun

3)It took too much time

4)Coach was a poor teacher

5)Too much pressure

The 11 Most Important Reasons The 11 Most Important Reasons Children Stop Playing a Sport – Children Stop Playing a Sport –

con’tcon’t

6)Wanted non-sport activity

7)I was tired of it

8)Needed more time to study

9)Coach played favorites

10) Sport was boring

11)Overemphasis on winning

The Eight Essential Lessons of Sports: Wisdom for Growth

Eight Essential Lessons• Lesson 1 – Learning to cope

with failure

• Lesson 2 – Developing a sense of commitment

• Lesson 3 – Handling Fear

• Lesson 4 – Handling Frustration

Eight Essential Lessons – con’t• Lesson 5 – Being part of the

team• Lesson 6 – Handling

embarrassment• Lesson 7 – Handling competition• Lesson 8 – Handling adjustments

Influential Words and Beliefs in Sports: A Formula for Longevity &

Everyday Living

Influential Words1) Five most important words –

Surround yourself with good people2) Four most important words – Take

care of yourself or I can handle it3) Three most important words – Class,

character, concern4) Two most important words – Thank

you or I can5) Single most important word - we

Influential Words – con’t1) Least important word – I2) Two worst words – I quit3) Three worst words – I don’t care4) Four worst words – Everybody is

doing it5) Five worst words – Let

somebody else do it