The Reading Room is established as a resource for parents to find general information regarding children in sports.  I also include articles on some recent research regarding this topic so we all can be more knowledgeable about how we as parents can be more supportive and encouraging to our children.  It is clear that our children are living their lives more differently than when we were growing up, and our daily schedules have become much more hectic.

The Heat organization realize this phenomenum, and strive hard to make the player's experience enjoyable, learning, and supportive.  Youth tournament baseball can be stressful at times, we know.  However, with a nurturing and understanding environment, it is our hope that the Heat player's can thrive and build their self-esteem as individuals.

We hope you find these articles and information useful.  If you have any articles to share, please feel free to pass them along.

I read recently that humans are born with self-esteem.  What a wonderful thing!  However, that natural self-esteem seems to diminish when we are subjected to negative experiences on a consistent basis.  As parents, we therefore need to be highly conscious of what we say, and do, around our children - particularly in the world of competitive sport, where there is so much pressure to do well. 

Here is a brief paper from the Ohio State University Extension regarding how to foster and sustain self-esteem in children.

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5263.html

Sportsmanship is the one vital element we here at the Heat wish to teach our kids.  It encompasses many elements, but one important key is RESPECT:  respect for the game, respect for the officials, respect for our coaches, parents, and each other, and importantly respect for ALL of our competitors.  Travel ball can be emotional as times, but respect prevails all of the time.  Here is a couple of "Code of Conduct" rules, each capture the spirit of what sportsmanship is about, and what the Livermore Heat strives to accomplish for its players!

The Sportsmanship Code of Babe Ruth.

Franklin Youth Baseball Code of Conduct.

This article comes from Momcentral.com, and offers an overview of what to expect from recreation teams versus elite/competitive teams.  The Heat views itself as an elite, competitive team, and, in the broad sense, shares the same viewpoint as the one presented here.

Recreation vs Elite Teams

Sometimes we get caught in the "drama" watching our kids play the game.  But there's a much "bigger picture" involved, not just what's happening on the field.  As parents, we try hard to help our children capture what they learn on the ballfield, and apply those principles into the Big Picture of LIFE, as well as help build their self-esteem!

How to Be a Great Sports Parent by Dr. Jenn Berman

Playing Fair by Dr. Ronald Lamm

Here are a few articles about physical fitness and studies related to young athletes.  The first one is from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) whose study focuses on the high-intense training of sports-specific athletes.  The results are for the professions' use, but is good information for all who read it.  The second article is a study on sports specialization specifically towards 10 year olds and younger, and the readiness of the child AND adult to enter competitive sports.

Intensive Training and Sports Specialization in Young Atheletes by The Committee of Sports Medicine and Fitness, American Academy of Pediatrics, July 2000

National Championship Competition for 10 Year Old and Younger by Oksana Matvienko, USA Volleyball Research Volunteer, USA Volleyball Sports Medicine and Performance Commission, 1998