WHAT RESEARCH SAYS: Responsive Middle Level Sports Programs

Considering the popularity of sports, it is not sur prising that approximately 80% of middle level schools in the Untied States offer organized com petitive sports programs (McEwin, Dickinson & Jenkins, 1996). One of the primary reasons these programs are so prevalent is the widespread belief that participation enhances social, psychological, physiological, and motor development. However, trends in injury rates, psychological stress, and unqualified adult leadership are causing a reexamination of how sports can benefit young adolescents in developmentally responsive ways (Goldman, 1990; McEwin & Dickinson, 1996; Micheli, 1990; Micheli & Jenkins, 1990). A brief discussion of some key topics selected from the knowledge base regarding competitive sports programs for young adolescents follows.