The idea that "winning isn't everything, it's the only thing" has been constructed by society and drilled in the mind of these young children who do not fully understand the meaning of competition. When children are constantly confronted with failure, they develop low motivation not only in sports but in other aspects of their lives as well. While it cannot be denied that competition produces more losers than winners, it should be pointed out that sports is not the only environment where humans are involved in competition. There are high levels of competition to be accepted in to university and graduate studies as well as in the work force for jobs. A child's failure in competition helps them learn to win gracefully and lose with dignity and honor. It teaches children that through perseverance and determination they can win the next time. Learning to deal with adversity and setbacks in sports prepares children to deal with obstacles that life will throw at them. .
It has been noted in recent years that some organized youth leagues have drifted towards a more competitive nature, which can often lead to unpleasant experiences especially for poor performers, girls and late maturing boys. This system eliminates children before they have the opportunity to reach their full potential, even though the elimination is more often unintentional, it can have devastating effects on a child's self- confidence. Children come to feel unworthy, unwanted, disappointed and more self-conscious. Just as the least loveable child may need love the most, the least athletic child may need athletics the most. It is true that sports are becoming more competitive, but there are many youth sporting programs available today which de-emphasize competition and instead focus on effort, participation and skill acquisition. Quality programs focus on developing basic skills that strengthen a child's sense of what the child "can" do.
