Sports

Kids under 8 banned from competitive football leagues

by jessica.lam | June 27, 2008 at 09:41 am

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Parents are once again blamed for living through their kids, or at least it seems that way. Children under eight in the UK are now banned from participating in football leagues with the purpose of winning trophies and medals. This is a strategy that will hopefully protect young kids from push parents and competitive coaches.

Children under the age of eight have been banned from playing in football leagues and cups amid fears they are under too much pressure from competitive parents.

Youngsters can still play matches but results must be kept private and no league tables can be compiled, according to the ruling from the Football Association.

And they should not compete in knockout tournaments where trophies or medals are at stake as FA officials fear the pressure could be too great.

The move - due to be enforced when the new season starts in September - is aimed at protecting children from pushy parents and aggressive coaches on the touchline, and from peer pressure and bullying.

But junior league organisers argue it is essential that youngsters learn about winning and losing.

I guess I was more of a music camp kid. What are your experiences competitive sports?

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mommylolly

at 13:15 on June 27th, 2008

In our League, the kids 6 and under play 45 minute games with no scoring. This is so they can learn the rules. Once they turn 7, they play full quarters and scores are kept just like for the older kids. On one hand I agree that younger children should be protected from aggressive coaches and parents, but on the other - children learn life skilss during play. They need to learn how to win graciously and more importantly how to lose graciously if they ever want to succeed in life..

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NP_1_793083

at 19:39 on June 27th, 2008

That is too bad. I know I have seen parents behave poorly at a match but the benefits of sports and learning to play as a team at any age is beneficial.

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