Statsky explicitly states this assumption when she writes that the ability to cooperate is as important as competitive skills for success (par. 10). Statsky asserts that “overzealous parents and...

Statsky explicitly states this assumption when she writes that the ability to cooperate is as important as competitive skills for success (par. 10). Statsky asserts that “overzealous parents and coaches impose adult standards on children’s sports, [leading to] activities that are neither satisfying nor beneficial to children” (par. 1). Do you agree that coaches and parents impose the desire to win on children? Should children’s sports have different standards?

Statsky acknowledges how important competitive skills are for getting into college and finding a job, but immediately follows with a response: “Yet the ability to cooperate is also important for success in life. Before children are psychologically ready for competition, maybe we should emphasize cooperation and individual performance in team sports rather than winning”. Do you think Statsky provides enough evidence that most children are not psychologically ready for competition? If so, which kinds of evidence are most compelling for you? Why?