Dr. Dan Gould of the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports was interviewed on the Spartan Podcast. Michigan State University President Lou Anna Simon and Athletic Director Mark Hollis joined Gould on the podcast. The podcast is an excellent discussion about the Institute attempts to use science to better the world of sport and counteract current trends of entitlement, inappropriate parent behavior, and a lack of coach training.
Spartan Podcast with Dr. Dan Gould, Advancing Youth Sports through Science
Dr. Gould discussed the history of the Institute and how its mission is to study the benefits and detriments of youth sport, and the changing environment of sport. Specifically, Gould examined the role of parents in youth sport and how they continue to influence their children when they come to Michigan State. Mark Hollis presented his concerns about entitlement in the collegiate environment and how it influences the coach’s ability to coach the athlete. In response, Gould talked about the evolving social concern of entitlement and some of the social forces behind this trend.
The importance of holding youth accountable was discussed, as was finding a balance between “catching them doing things right” in sport and challenging athletes to work harder and commit to values. Dr. Gould summarized the research on positive youth development and highlighted the need to educate parents, coach, and young athletes on avoiding win at all costs attitudes. Further, the importance of education based on science to slow the trend of the use of supplements and performance-enhancing drugs as well as minimizing the risks of injury were discussed.