Youth sports in for big shake-up
Sport New Zealand and the governing bodies for five of the country’s most popular codes are taking a stand to improve experiences in youth sport – a move billed as a dramatic shake-up.
The chief executives of Hockey NZ, Netball NZ, NZ Cricket, NZ Football, NZ Rugby and Sport NZ have signed a statement of intent, listing steps they will take to pave the way for substantial change in the way young people experience sport.
‘‘We’re taking a stand to bring the fun and development focus back to sport for all young people,’’ Sport NZ chief Peter Miskimmin said.
‘‘This includes pushing back against early specialisation, over-emphasis on winning, and other factors that are driving young New Zealanders away from sport.
‘‘Sporting organisations are aware of the problem and some are already making changes, but more is required and the six of us are stepping up to say we will lead the way.’’
The six organisations have committed to:
■ ensuring all young people who play our sports receive a quality experience, irrespective of the level at which they compete;
■ leading attitudinal and behavioural change among the sport leaders, coaches, administrators, parents and caregivers involved in youth sport;
■ providing leadership to our sports in support of changes to competition structures and player development opportunities;
■ working with our sports and schools to keep minds open while identifying talent throughout the teen years, including reviewing the role and nature of national and regional representative tournaments to ensure that skill development opportunities are offered to more young people;
■ supporting young people to play multiple sports;
■ raising awareness of the risks of over-training and over-loading.
The six organisations are set to launch a marketing campaign early next year, targeting youth sport influencers such as parents, caregivers, coaches, and administrators, to further raise awareness.
NZ Cricket chief executive David White said the initiative would help remind people that ‘‘sport isn’t simply about the elite and aspirational or, for that matter, the winners’’.
‘‘It remains as relevant to amateur, lower-grade and social participants as it does to the professionals.
NZ Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell said it was ‘‘fully supportive of Sport NZ’S position’’.
Hockey NZ chief executive Ian Francis said that while traditionally early success had been viewed as an indicator for future success, ‘‘we now know this is not true and that a balanced approach to sports during your youth years is going to provide an athlete with a more well-rounded skill set when they get into adult levels of the sport’’.
Netball NZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie said it was time to put the needs of young people first.
‘‘Young people are not mini adults and it is important to meet their needs, taking into consideration their physical, cognitive, social abilities and wellbeing.’’
NZ Rugby chief rugby officer Nigel Cass said it welcomed the movement.
‘‘Rugby is our national sport and we want it to be a fun, safe and positive experience for everyone, from Small Blacks through to adult rugby.’’