Youth Sports Leagues May Not Be Enough

If you think your kids are getting enough exercise through sports leagues, take a closer look.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adolescents participate in 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Parents may think sports teams meet that requirement, but evidence suggests otherwise.

A San Diego State University study showed that only 24% of youth aged 7-14 years met the 60-minute physical activity guideline during sports practices (Arch. Pediatr. Adolesc. Med. 2011;165:294-9). The study looked at soccer, softball and baseball leagues.

Lead researcher Dr. Jim Sallis believes that during practices, kids are often sitting or standing on the sidelines waiting their turn.

Robert Vaughn, Youth Sports and Recreation Coordinator at the Oshman Family JCC agrees.  “In my experience, clinics and training sessions are often better than leagues in keeping your kids active. There’s more emphasis on fitness and less on competitiveness.”

For example, Vaughn’s Mini Hoopsters Basketball Clinic keeps participants moving with stretching, warm-ups, drills and scrimmages.  “My kids are active the entire time.”

While it may be true that participation in sports doesn’t guarantee kids are getting enough exercise, there are certainly things that can be done. Parents can volunteer at practices and games, providing more hands-on help so kids don’t have to wait. They can also encourage other forms of exercise such as walking to school, running at recess, traditional Phys Ed classes and outdoor games.


This week at the OFJCC

Mini Hoopsters Basketball Clinic
Sundays, 3/25-5/6 ∙ 12:00-3:00 PM
A terrific introduction to basketball for boys and girls in grades K-2. More

Noa in Concert
Thursday, 3/22 ∙ 8:00 PM
Israel's leading international concert and recording artist comes to to the OFJCC! With guest Mira Awad. More

What If? A Children's Musical
Sunday, 3/25 ∙ 11:00 AM
Take a fantastic journey filled with music, dance, fantasy and courage. More