American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - AAHPERD

 Issue: October 2008

Sport Psychology: Myths in Sport Education and Physical Education
Joy Griffin

Abstract:
From a sport and exercise psychology viewpoint, this article describes the increasing professionalization of youth sport and how many well-intentioned people are using misconceptions or myths to organize and administer youth sport programs. For example, professionalization has led to specialization and year-round training, while playing multiple sports throughout the year for fun is disappearing. The lure of college athletic scholarships and the belief that early talent identification and development is the key to a future career in sports have led to heightened stress and extensive travel for many children. This article also discusses some common misconceptions about sport psychology and youth sports, and touches on the role that sport psychology plays in physical education.

Article category: Hogzilla or Hogwash? Separating Fact from Fiction in Physical Education and Sport