Why Children Play
Sports
Dr. Aubrey H. Fine
Theories Explaining Why
Children Play in Sports
• Piagetian Theory
– Play as an area in which children can
refine their developing skills
• Social Learning Theory
– Children may play and learn sports
from watching others
• Arousal Theory
– Sports are played as a stimulusseeking behavior
When children are
at play they are, by
definition, engaged
in an experience
that is inherently
meaningful.
Results of Recreation &
Leisure
• Principal source of perceived
quality of life
• Reduces feelings of
helplessness
• Sense of self-efficacy and
empowerment
The 10 Most Important Reasons
Why Children Play a School
Sport
1)To have fun
2)To improve my skills
3)To stay in shape
4)To do something I’m good
at
5)For the excitement
The 10 Most Important
Reasons Why Children Play
a School Sport – con’t
• To get exercise
• To play as part of a team
• For the challenge of
competition
• To learn new skills
• To win
The 11 Most Important
Reasons Children Stop
Playing a Sport
1)I lost interest
2)I was not having fun
3)It took too much time
4)Coach was a poor teacher
5)Too much pressure
The 11 Most Important Reasons
Children Stop Playing a Sport –
con’t
6)Wanted non-sport activity
7)I was tired of it
8)Needed more time to study
9)Coach played favorites
10) Sport was boring
11)Overemphasis on winning
The Eight Essential Lessons of
Sports: Wisdom for Growth
Eight Essential Lessons
• Lesson 1 – Learning to cope
with failure
• Lesson 2 – Developing a sense
of commitment
• Lesson 3 – Handling Fear
• Lesson 4 – Handling
Frustration
Eight Essential Lessons – con’t
• Lesson 5 – Being part of the
team
• Lesson 6 – Handling
embarrassment
• Lesson 7 – Handling
competition
• Lesson 8 – Handling
adjustments
Influential Words and Beliefs in
Sports: A Formula for Longevity &
Everyday Living
Influential Words
1) Five most important words –
Surround yourself with good
people
2) Four most important words – Take
care of yourself or I can handle it
3) Three most important words –
Class, character, concern
4) Two most important words – Thank
you or I can
5) Single most important word - we
Influential Words – con’t
1) Least important word – I
2) Two worst words – I quit
3) Three worst words – I don’t
care
4) Four worst words –
Everybody is doing it
5) Five worst words – Let
somebody else do it