Violent and aggressive behaviors such as what took place in this episode are markedly on the rise in this country. The following provides additional information on violence and youth sports as well as links to related sites. Participation in youth sports is at an all time high. Eight million kids play interscholastic or intramural sports and more than two million play on a club team or other paid sports program. Sports are not only a great deal of fun but can also be a terrific resource for teaching children many critical life skills.
Sports teach children about the importance of teamwork, commitment, and sportsmanship.
In addition, children learn the essentials of cooperation, the benefits of a strong work ethic, the value of healthy competition and can gain greater self-esteem. All of the above can help a child as he or she grows and enters into the adult world. There is an increase in violence in youth sports all across the country. Extreme incidences are still on the fringe, but every day there is more taunting, cheating, and more yelling at kids than ever before. In fact, according to a recently released survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation, kids report that it is very common to see taunting or trash talking, yelling at a referee or an umpire, cheap shots, or opponents being hit on the playing field.