Participation in sports is a major feature of daily living for children
and adolescents in many countries of the world. Structures of
organized programs vary within and among countries. Likewise,
sport offerings and values attached to these sports vary with cultural
context. Sport is also a primary source of physical activity for many
children and adolescents, and is an arena in which personal and
inter-personal values and behaviors are developed and nurtured.
Key players in these important functions of sport are peers, coaches
and parents. The volume is aimed primarily for students of Physical
Education and Sport Sciences, coaches, trainers, parents and others
involved in youth sport programs and in the preparation of young
athletes . The content s have application to a variety of cultural
contexts given the near universality of sport for youth throughout
the world. The editors hope that the contributions which comprise
this volume will serve to enhance the sport experiences of youth,
minimize potential risks , and maximize potential benefits by
educating adults who work with them in the context of sport .