6th May 2014 9:00
By Blue Tutors
A new survey has shown that the majority of school children would like the competitive element removed from school sports. 64% of children said that they would be relieved, happier or not bothered if the competitive element were removed. The survey, conducted by the Marylebone Cricket Club in conjunction with the charity Chance to Shine, polled 1,000 children and 1,000 parents. The findings suggest that whilst children would be happier if winning or losing were not a factor, parents were more interested in maintaining the competitive aspect.
22% of parents said that they would be less interested in watching school sport if the competitive element was removed. 89% of parents said that it was either important or very important for their children to experience victory or defeat in sport. The survey showed a marked difference between the attitudes of parents and those of children, suggesting that whilst parents wanted to maintain the competitive aspect, children would be happier without. Significantly, the poll also showed that children believed that winning or losing was important, but would still prefer that it wasn’t an element in school sports.
The charity Chance to Shine said that it was worrying that so many children wanted to see the competitive element removed from sport. When asked how they felt about school sports, many children reported feelings of anxiety surrounding the competitive aspect. The charity said that the figures were a cause for concern, as they wanted to promote the importance of competitive sport and fair play in schools. They cited pushy parents as a key problem, and noted that the number of parents attending school sports days and shouting orders at their children from the side lines was increasing. The charity said that children should be encouraged to enjoy the competitive aspect of sport, which they cannot do if their anxiety levels are being raised by parents who take sports events too seriously.