Balance is Better
About Balance is Better
Balance is Better is about keeping our young people in sport. Sport NZ developed the evidence-based philosophy to inform and provide a framework for the sport system to put the needs of the participant/athlete first.
Its overall objective is to ensure the sport system provides opportunities for ALL tamariki and rangatahi (young people aged 5-18) to positively experience the benefits of sport participation and to realise their potential.
The focus of the philosophy is on why young people play sport – to have fun, experience challenge, develop and improve, be part of a team or group, and be with friends.
Addressing system issues
Balance is Better is also about ‘pushing back’ against 3 key issues that are evident in youth sport. These issues have been identified through research and insight and are supported by evidence:
Childhood success is not a reliable predictor of future success
Identifying athletes early and specialising early is taking its toll on young people
A focus on winning rather than development is a problem because it can have unintended consequences on the wellbeing of the participant and affect their motivation to take part.
Find out more about Balance is Better here
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