Stress is a very common issue among all
individuals.
 When the body is introduced to more than
it feels as if it can handle, it has a natural
tendency to react to the things that it
interprets as a direct threat.
 Many children and teens experience stress
while attending school due to the worry
and concern over academic
achievements, as well as pressures from
peers, parents, and coaches.

Children are beginning to compete at a
younger age.
 Parents and coaches are putting too
much pressure on kids to win.
 More time is being put into competitive
sports.
 There’s not enough positive feedback.

In 1999, an estimated 40 million children are
involved in competitive sports.
 Children who get involved in organized
competitive sports at a young age may find
themselves tired of the game they once
loved.
 Kids don’t completely understand the
concept of competition till around age
seven. Children struggle with really seeing
the differences between effort and ability.

High-stress athletes who cannot control
their emotions are likely to perform poorly.
 The failure experiences that occur only
cause these athletes to fear and lose
confidence.
 This will create a vicious circle involving
anxiety, impaired performance, and
increased anxiety.
 Many young athletes never succeed in
achieving their potential in sports because
of their inability to control their anxiety,
which in all needs to be avoided by parents
and couches.

He Kexin was the all around gold medalist
for gymnastics.
 Chinese girls are thrown into the sport as
such a young age; they are denied the
agency of competition.
 Minimum age for female gymnasts was
actually increased from 14 to 15 in 1981,
and up to 16 in 1997, to protect the physical
health of young athletes.
 Also, there were concerns of mental health.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtB5VL
xOBsQ
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Changing the situation that
place unnecessary demands
on young athletes.
Increase positive feedback.
A positive approach makes
use of encouragement and
reinforcement in an attempt
to strengthen desirable
behaviors.
Losing is not failing!
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Give the athlete the opportunity to grow,
experience, and have fun without the
pressure to perform.
Give the young athlete as much space
as they need to explore as many sports
as they can during their pre-and early
teen years.
Give the motivation to achieve and
succeed rather than initiating a negative
fear of making mistakes.
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David, Paulo. (2004). Human Rights in Youth Sport: A
Critical Review of Children's Rights in Competitive
Sports. Nashville, TN: Rutledge.
Spencer, Ian. What is The Definition of Stress. 2007.
Mental Health Matters. 26 Nov. 2008
<http://www.mental-health-matters.com>.
White, James. Problems in Youth Sports. Family
Resource. 26 Nov. 2008 <www.familyresource.com>.
Report: Hacker Uncovers Proof Chinese Gymnast Is
Underage. 21 Aug. 2008. Fox News. 26 Nov. 2008
<www.foxnews.com>.
Athletic Stress: Developing Coping Skills Through
Sports. 1989. Successful Sports Parenting. 29 Nov. 2008
<www.rockfordmarlins.com>.
www.youtube.com