Just Let the Kids Play: How to Stop Other Adults from Ruining Your Child's Fun and Success in Youth Sports
The authors, who all have children of their own who have played  youth sports, contend that children should compete in these  programs to have fun and learn the basics of sports activities.  However, as former NBA player Bigelow, journalist Tom Moroney,  and writer and editor Linda Hall show, children often have  difficulties enjoying themselves because organized sports  programs emphasize winning at all costs. Many parents also apply  a great deal of pressure on their own children to perform at a  thletic levels beyond their abilities. The authors argue that  both the parents and organizations that sponsor sports programs  need to change their philosophy to allow children to enjoy  themselves while participating in games. This unique book  suggests ways to organize athletic programs to emphasize play  rather than competition, stressing that younger children should  become involved to have a good time. Only when they become older  should they participate in more competitive programs. With  practical tips on restructuring the sports programs themselves,  this book will be invaluable for parents in preparing their  children for organized sports. Recommended for all public  libraries. Patrick Mahoney, Off Campus Lib. Services, Central  Michigan Univ., Mount PleasantCopyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.