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The only way forward in youth sports is government regulation. Problems created by a market approach won’t be solved by that same $20 billion industry.
What incentive does it have to dismantle itself?
What other child-centered market/sector is not regulated? 1/8
What incentive does it have to dismantle itself?
What other child-centered market/sector is not regulated? 1/8
Only current regulations are background checks, concussion laws, & safesport. And no one actually polices adherence to these.
W/ regard to other safety & health issues, it’s the Wild West.
Programs can operate in ways that compromise youth health & are straight up abusive 2/8
W/ regard to other safety & health issues, it’s the Wild West.
Programs can operate in ways that compromise youth health & are straight up abusive 2/8
The inability of state governments to make comprehensive, thoughtful decisions about health & safety for youth sports during the pandemic illustrates the degree to which they’ve abdicated responsibility to protect and support youth in sport. 3/8
Even if you think the market is a good approach, let’s admit what a terrible marketplace youth sports is. First, consumers have zero access to information: there’s no centralized platform for comparing programs nor standards by which to compare them. 4/8
Second, it’s not truly a “free” market: it already relies heavily on the public sector. Schools and parks - paid for by local taxes - provide the backdrop for most youth sports & yet private users monopolize these public space to the exclusion of other tax payers. 5/8
Third, the commodification of sport is directly at odds with the stated national interest (public good) of fielding high quality national and olympic teams. If the good is not affordable, thousands of potential athletes are excluded. 6/8
There’s other types of public good abandoned by the youth sports market - like public health - but that’s another story.
I don’t think youth sport gets safer or more inclusive until some state sets standards for what it means to operate a program & holds folks accountable. 7/8
I don’t think youth sport gets safer or more inclusive until some state sets standards for what it means to operate a program & holds folks accountable. 7/8
Not sure what analogous system provides the best example. Child care accreditation? Teacher credentialing? Athlete bill of rights?
Other countries have figured it out to a degree. The longer we resist a cohesive solution the more kids are harmed by the current system.
Other countries have figured it out to a degree. The longer we resist a cohesive solution the more kids are harmed by the current system.
