ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the history of youth sport and how it has changed due to rising costs and parental involvement. Parents are involved in youth sport now than ever and the conditions have not improved. In fact, they have worsened. Coaches and administrators of youth sport programs are witnessing more negative than positive parental behavior. These findings suggest less than ideal conditions for the development of youth. Injuries due to sport specialization among kids are increasing, violence at youth games is not uncommon, and officials are declining at rapid rates because of the stress and pressure that is being applied to youth sport. Leading organizations will provide suggestions on how to educate parents, lead coaches, and motivate children and theoretical frameworks will be examined as to why parents are exhibiting the reported behaviors.
