Play.Stay.Thrive
An AMSSM toolkit to promote safe and
healthy participation in youth sports
 
Play.Stay.Thrive
An AMSSM toolkit to promote safe and
healthy participation in youth sports
Play.Stay.Thrive
An AMSSM toolkit to promote safe and
healthy participation in youth sports

What should I do if my athlete wants to stop participating in their sport?

Print
It’s important to understand that it is OK if your athlete no longer wants to participate in their sport.
  • Consider that physical activity has important benefits for physical health, mental health, and social interaction.
  • After having a discussion with your athlete, if stopping sport means they will no longer get sufficient physical activity, you should encourage them to consider trying a new sport or physical activity of interest to them.
  • For example, consider offering a transition to another activity: “You are courageous to admit you want to stop participating, but what other physical activities are you interested in doing instead?”
Want More Information?

References

Brenner JS, Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness. Sports Specialization and Intensive Training in Young Athletes. Pediatrics. 2016; 138(3). pii: e20162148. doi: 10.1542/peds.2016-2148..
DiFiori JP, Benjamin HJ, Brenner J, Gregory A, Jayanthi N, Landry GL, Luke A. Overuse Injuries and Burnout in Youth Sports: A Position Statement from the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine. Br J Sports Med 2014;48:287-288.
Brenner J.S. American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness. Overuse injuries, overtraining and burnout in child and adolescent athletes. Pediatrics 119(6), 1242-1245, 2007
Witt, Peter & Dangi, Tek. (2018). Why Children/Youth Drop Out of Sports - Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. 36. 191-199. 10.18666/JPRA-2018-V36-I3-8618.