Outcome III

To identify a question, investigate the problem, and draw relevant conclusions about a current issue within their concentration

This artifact was completed in HHPS 535, Sociology of Sport & Physical Activity, and examines the growing issue of the rising cost of youth sports participation using insights from the Aspen Institute’s State of Play 2023 report. The crux of our research question is how increasing costs will affect youth game access and participation in youth athletics. In the case of clubs, the analysis looks at trends such as higher club sport costs, commercialization of youth sports, irregular public funding, and ethical concerns regarding alternative sources of funding such as sports betting. The research suggests financial barriers, especially travel and purchase of equipment fees, are stopping access for many households, leading to disparities in participation across many families. This artifact relates to the competency through identification of a real world problem, review of contributing factors, and conclusions regarding targeted funding, inclusive school-based programs, and sustainable financial frameworks. It also highlights how important data collection and reform in policies are to improve access, presenting an ability to explore a current issue facing athletics and propose reasonable solutions that are tied to research.

Artifact 2. What Do We Want Sports to Be?

This artifact was completed in HHPS 535, Sociology of Sport & Physical Activity, and examines the current issue of youth sport specialization by asking the central question: what should youth sports look like to best support athlete development and well-being? The paper reviews research on the physical, psychological, and social impacts of early specialization (including increased injury risk, burnout, and limited overall athletic development) and the impact of commercialization and financial barriers on participation. While making this inquiry, the artifact reaches clear conclusions that early specialization is harmful to long term athlete health and calls for a shift toward multisport participation. It offers a detailed implementation plan that includes community initiatives, coaching reforms, scheduling changes, and increased access for low-income athletes. This artifact connects to the competency by clearly identifying a relevant issue in athletics, using research to analyze the problem, and developing practical, evidence based solutions, demonstrating the ability to draw meaningful conclusions that can improve health, performance, and overall athlete development.