THE PROBLEMS IN YOUTH SPORTS

ISSUES OF ACCESS:

• The growth of expensive programs, like travel teams, has exacerbated disparities.

• Across the state, lack of access to fields and indoor facilities is cited as a major barrier to programming and participation.

• Affluent youth in King County are 3 times more likely to play sports than less affluent peers; in Pierce County youth from lower income families are 5 times less likely to play select sports.

• Only 57% of youth who don’t speak English at home have played sports compared with 90% of English-speaking peers in King County.

• In Washington, significantly fewer girls play sports than boys.

SAFETY & HEALTH CONCERNS:

• Youth who don’t have access to sports are at risk for physical inactivity.

• Early specialization leads to higher rates of injuries in young athletes.

• 50% of injuries in youth sports are preventable overuse injuries.

• National estimates suggest that approximately 60% of youth experience harm, neglect, or maltreatment in youth sports.

• Disturbingly, there are numerous examples of abuse in Washington state sports including incidents in rowing, soccer, basketball, and football.

LACK OF QUALITY COACH TRAINING:

• In Washington, youth sports (non-school) coaches are not required to have training to work with youth unless their national governing body requires it.

• Only ~50% of coaches say they are prepared to support athletes with mental health concerns.

• Adult leaders design sports experiences—like tournaments and travel teams—based on adult professional models.

NO OVERSIGHT:

• Washington has no guidelines or oversight to ensure youth sports (non-school-based sports) are safe and high quality.