What is Balance is Better?
Balance is Better underpins Sport New Zealand’s overall approach to youth sport. Hockey NZ is one of 15 sports across NZ that signed a “Statement of Intent” with Sport New Zealand to ensure there are quality opportunities for all participants.
Balance is Better is to help bring the focus back to why young people play sport – to have fun, be challenged, develop and improve, be part of a team or group, and enjoy time with friends.
The Balance is Better campaign also hopes to address the 3 Myths of Youth Sport
What are the reason kids are dropping out?
Kids are speaking with their feet. National data shows that too many young New Zealanders, especially in their teenage years are walking away from sport.
While there are a variety of reasons kids leave sport, Sport NZ have identified the main issues contributing to declining participation rates:
Specialising too early in one sport
Being expected to play like professionals
Believing that you have make the top team or rep’ team
Adult pressure to “be the best” and not make mistakes
What are the 3 Myths of Youth Sport
Myth 1: Early Specialization is good
Reality: This can lead to athlete burn-out and overuse injuries.
Myth 2: Childhood success leads to adult success
Reality: Children develop at different rates mentally and physically, some much later in their teenage years. Meaning that success in childhood is not an indicator of success in adulthood.
Myth 3: Successful athletes focus on winning
Reality: This is a problem for young people, it is a chance to develop mentally, develop coping mechanisms and it could affect their overall motivation to take part.
What is Bay of Plenty Hockey doing?
Bay of Plenty Hockey Association is committed to ensuring all young people who play Hockey receive a quality experience, irrespective of the level at which they are involved. We will work with our parents, whanau, managers, coaches, and volunteers to make sure our kids can develop in a fun and safe environment. We acknowledge the importance of keeping fun in the game, prioritising sport participation and nurturing talent at the right pace.
For more information:
Please check out the Keep up with the Play https://keepupwiththeplay.org.nz/ or Balance is Better websites https://balanceisbetter.org.nz/
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