Posted at: 09/15/2009 7:22 PM
By: Axel Gumbel

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Medical Edge: Kids and Sports

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- We often hear about drop out rates at high schools.

But now there is growing concern about kids dropping out of sports.

Some say kids quit sports because pressure to win is just too much.

Others say kids are simply burning out.

We spoke to a psychologist at Mayo Clinic, who has some tips on how to keep your kids enjoying and thriving in sports.

Max Trenerry is a psychologist and soccer coach.

He's seen many kids like Lee Brandrup succeed and enjoy the sport.
     
"It’s fun. I learn new moves, meet new people,” says soccer player, Lee Brandrup.

But he's also watched other kids drop out, hating practice, stressed about the game, and feeling too much pressure to score that goal from coaches and parents.

"That pressure may take the fun out of the sport and kids might play because of that pressure, not because of their own interest," says Mayo Clinic psychologist, Professor Max Trenerry.
    
Dr. Trenerry says when kids play to please others, or the sake of a reward; they're at increased risk of dropping out.

So how do you keep kids in the game?

Dr. Trenerry says there are three things you need to have to keep kids interested in sports; choices, competence and caring.

"These are basic human needs. if we don't have them we don't keep doing whatever it is," says Trenerry.
    
We'll start with choices.

Kids need to be able to choose the sports they want to play.

Next is competence.

Kids need to feel a sense of success.

Their self-belief needs to come from a sense of effort and improving athletic skill regardless of winning or losing and young athletes need to feel cared for - that parents and coaches care about their thoughts and feelings and will take them seriously.

Regardless of whether they win or lose the game.

And they need to feel they belong to a group.

One way to communicate caring is to ask constructive questions after practice or a game.

Not did you win or score a goal, but...

"Did you have fun? What did you learn in practice? How did the team play? How were the guys?"  Trenerry says.

Caring, competence and choices, the key to keeping kids in the game.

Experts also say if you notice your child is losing interest in a sport or if he or she is stressed, talk about it and try to find out why.

And always admire your child's skill development and effort regardless of winning or losing a game.