Photo Credit: Courtesy of NAYS
It all began in the sandlots--kids chose sides, set up makeshift bases, picked positions, and created their own rules. Miraculously, all of this was done without the help of any adults.
Sadly, sandlot games have almost disappeared--a casualty of the travel-team frenzy that is sweeping through communities, disrupting recreational programs, and saddling children with a mind-boggling schedule of practices and games.
In turn, this is forcing children at incredibly young--and often unsafe--ages to specialize in a sport before their growing bodies are ready for the strain. Unable to handle it, their arms are breaking down, and their seasons are cut short. Instead of enjoying the thrill of sports, they are forced to deal with doctor visits, surgeries, and trips to rehab facilities.
