Open AccessDisparities and Inequities in Youth Sports
Author(s) -
Andrew W Kuhn,
Alan Z Grusky,
Carsen R Cash,
André L. Churchwell,
Alex B. Diamond
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
current sports medicine reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.424
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1537-8918
pISSN - 1537-890X
DOI - 10.1249/jsr.0000000000000881
Subject(s) - ethnic group , socioeconomic status , medicine , youth sports , health equity , sports medicine , health care , environmental health , economic growth , political science , public health , nursing , population , athletes , physical therapy , law , economics
Participation in youth sports can have a positive, lasting impact on a child's general health and physical well-being. Unfortunately, some youth populations are unable to participate and/or reap the benefits of sports because of existing inequities. Youth from lower socioeconomic status and ethnic minority children have been found to participate in sports less. These disparities are unfortunately pervasive and likely the result of multiple barriers, including financial and time constraints, limited resources and the inability to access facilities both in and out of school, and lack of familial support. There also exist inequities with regard to sports injury management, including knowledge, access to athletic trainers, and care. This article provides a review of the numerous disparities and inequities in youth sports. Compiling and understanding these data may help develop a framework to make youth sports more equitable and beneficial for all.