The importance of young athletes not fixating on playing just one sport
Burnout and the potential for injury some of the concerns raised for dedicated youngsters
For many young Canadians living in a hockey crazed country, the common theme and expectation is that children will transition seamlessly from diapers to hockey skates.
For many hockey parents the belief is that their child needs to be on the ice five or six times a week, 12 months of the year before their child reaches Grade 2. The belief is that the child will need to immediately commit to the sport they are passionate about and put all their efforts into practice and training sessions.
Although there can be benefits to repetitive training and building muscle memory in any activity, there are plenty of concerns when it comes to fixating on one sport at such a young age.
Some of the concerns include burnout and the potential for injury, due to an abundance of stress on the hips, joints and other parts of the human anatomy.
Everyone has a story about a parent that pushed their child so hard at such a young age that the child lost interest in their sport by the time they were 15 years old. The benefits of raising a wellrounded child far outweigh the benefits of having a child who reached their peak in their sport at age seven.
Medical professionals and physiotherapists can also attest to the fact that many young athletes acquire nagging and reoccurring injuries as a result of the children’s young bodies being pushed to the limit.
In the game of hockey, plenty of stress can be placed on a skater’s back and hips as skating is not a natural movement.
Parents need to remember that taking a break from hockey in the summer months can allow a child to recharge their batteries. The child can still participate in a week of hockey school and the occasional skate with friends during the off season.
For young hockey players, participating in other sports such as baseball or golf it allows the child to build strength in different areas. Specific qualities such as hand-eye co-ordination and balance can transition from a baseball field to the hockey rink.
Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby has spoken in the past about the importance of children playing multiple sports. Several NHLers excelled in other sports growing up, such as NY Islanders captain Anders Lee who was previously a quarterback in high school, as well as a pitcher and speedskater. Longtime Calgary Flame Jarome Iginla was a talented baseball player, as was Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn.
There will be a time for a child to dedicate their time and full effort into the sport they are most passionate and eager about, however, parents need to allow their children to be children and not strap them with unrealistic expectations at a young age.
Enjoy going to the rink with your youngsters as it truly is a wonderful experience watching our children grow as human beings. The lessons learned by participating in sports are invaluable.
Children are able to learn about resiliency, dedication, character and working within a team. Children learn that winning in sports is not always easy and that sometimes the biggest challenges are the mental obstacles that they need to overcome.
Parents need to encourage and support their children and above all else make sure that they are having fun while playing. If a child is having fun in their sport the potential for them to excel and work toward future goals and aspirations increases dramatically.
Parents need to enjoy the drive to and from the rink and the need to talk about anything other than hockey. The time spent driving is a phenomenal opportunity to build a lifelong relationship with your child.
CHRIS HARDILL IS A PETERBOROUGH NATIVE WHO PLAYED GOAL FOR THE OHL’S BARRIE COLTS, KINGSTON FRONTENACS AND OTTAWA 67’S FROM 2000 TO 2003 AND DOES COLOUR COMMENTARY ON PETERBOROUGH PETES RADIO BROADCASTS.
HIS COLUMN WILL APPEAR WEEKLY IN THE EXAMINER DURING THE HOCKEY SEASON.