Sport is a game or activity that follows rules and usually involves competing against others. It’s good for you physically and mentally to play sports regularly (Eime et al., 2003a; Eime et al., 2003b). Research has looked at sport participation as people age (Bruner & Martin, 2019). As people get older, they often stop playing sports even though it’s good for them. Researchers want to know why this happens and what motivates people to keep playing sports. They also want to know how sports can help kids grow and develop (Bruner & Martin, 2019).
There’s a model called the Developmental Model of Sport Participation (DMSP) that helps explain how kids get better at sports as they grow up (Côte ́, 1999). The DMSP says that kids should try different sports when they’re young, and then specialize in one sport later on if they want to get really good Coaches, parents, and peers can all influence whether someone keeps playing sports or not. It’s important to encourage people of all ages to keep playing sports so they can stay healthy and active. Even older adults can benefit from playing sports, and they can be role models for successful aging (Baker et al, 2009).
Baker, J., Fraser-Thomas, J., Dionigi, R. A., & Horton, S. (2009). Sport participation and positive development in older persons. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 7 (1), 312.
Bruner, M. W., & Martin, L. J. (2019). In D. Hackfort, R. J. Schinke, & B. Strauss (Eds.), Dictionary of sport psychology: Sport, exercise, and performing arts. Academic Press.
Côte ́, J. (1999). The influence of the family in the development of talent in sport. The Sport Psychologist, 13, 395417.
Eime, R. M., Young, J. A., Harvey, J. T., Charity, M. J., & Payne, W. R. (2013a). A systematic review of the psycho- logical and social benefits of participation in sport for chil- dren and adolescents: Informing development of a conceptual model of health through sport. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 10(1), 98.
Eime, R. M., Young, J. A., Harvey, J. T., Charity, M. J., & Payne, W. R. (2013b). A systematic review of the psycho- logical and social benefits of participation in sport for adults: Informing development of a conceptual model of health through sport. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 10(1), 135.
