There is a growing gap in playability for young athletes who show unique skills. They are singled out to join traveling teams and elite squads before they know how to tie the laces of their hyper-expensive athletic footwear.

The downside of this trend is that many young sportsters are no longer running around playing just for fun. Their parents or coaches have decided what is best for their futures. They are told to specialize in their best sport or a sport that fits their body type while still sprouting. This is a recipe that is contributing to the growing national trend of sport specialization, childhood obesity and flawed decision making.

We have seen what is happening to many elementary and middle/high school programs in team sports. Many of them are now either “pay to play” on the team side or eviscerated as part of cost-cutting. Physical education classes in many schools are ancient history.

I remember the days when you could play dodgeball in PE, hit players on the opposing team low and high without being........

© Sports Business Journal