Sports can cause students stress

This back-to-school season, it’s not just supply shopping and children’s grades that have local moms stressed out. A new survey reveals moms are buckling in the bleachers under the grueling pressures of their children’s sports, jeopardizing their jobs, relationships, self-esteem and sanity. Moms simply want youth sports to be much less demanding and much more fun.

A recently survey of more than 400 moms with children in organized youth sports reveals the current “practice and play ‘til you drop” and “win at all costs” culture of youth sports not only puts unhealthy pressure on children but creates significant stress for mom - both at home and at the office. The startling statistics show:

At Home Stress

• 68 percent of moms polled say their children’s involvement in youth sports causes stress in their lives.

• 51 percent say it causes stress for the entire family.

• 24 percent say it causes conflict with their significant other. Arguments over time, money, driving and harsh reactions to children who didn’t play well were cited.

• 24 percent say they’ve resented their children because sports take up too much time.

• 76 percent say they’re happy when their children’s sports season is over.

Work Stress

Of moms who work:

• 65 percent say their children’s sports interfere with their jobs.

• 43 percent say they’re less productive at work – some because they have to leave early for practices or games, others because they answer youth sports emails and calls during work, and others because they get distracted and worry if their child didn’t play well.

• 16 percent of moms who say youth sports interfere with their jobs say they feel they’ve lost out on raises or promotions because of their commitment to their children’s sports.

The survey was commissioned by i9 Sports, a nationwide youth sports league franchise. i9 Sports is changing the culture of youth sports with a format that is more fun for kids and less stressful for parents.

“This survey clearly shows we need to change youth sports to put less pressure on children and their families,” said Brian Sanders, President and COO of i9 Sports.

America’s moms are desperate to change youth sports for two reasons:

1) Pressure on Children to Perform

• 79 percent say they wish there was an alternative to youth sports’ win-at-all-costs culture, and most of these moms want more focus on fun and less emphasis on winning.

• 54 percent say the competitive culture of youth sports hurts children. Many worry children’s self esteem suffers when they don’t play well.

• 23 percent say they or their children have been excluded socially because their children weren’t as good as the other players.

2) Time/Money Commitment

Of those who said youth sports stressed out the family:

• 87 percent blame sports schedule conflicts for all the stress (More than one quarter of the moms polled have children in sports five nights a week, and 40 percent are driving more than four hours a week for sports).

• 62 percent say cost is an issue.

• 53 percent say youth sports have robbed them of time for holidays, weekends and free time.

“Our goal is to bring families together with youth sports, not tear them apart,” Sanders said. “Our one day per week commitment allows the family to enjoy the benefits of participation without the stress. Practices are conveniently held prior to the game, and parents are able to simply relax and enjoy watching their children have fun. And because we typically offer multiple sports at our playing locations, families have options that do not require driving across town or splitting up to attend each child's games.”

For more information visit i9sports.com