ARE SPORTING FIGURES GOOD ROLE MODELS?

In 2011, ‘Journal of Adolescent Health’ published an article about a research which has shown that 59 percent of adolescents can identify a role model in their lives. Athletes have a great rate in this. Can we say that all the athletes have positive impact on youngsters? Of course not! There are athletes who show negative behaviour. However, athletic lifestyle certainly has positive role modelling for youngsters, which we can categorize under four headings.

1 ......... In other words, if they want to make a living, they have to be fit, healthy and strong. They can achieve this only by being willing, dedicated and determined to exercise regularly. This way of life style, of course, prove children that physical activity can let them make a living besides being healthy.

2 ......... You can clearly see the confidence in action while watching a sporting figure on TV or live. Athletes show a great sense of self-confidence and confidence in their team. One of the reasons why athletes are good role models is the sense of confidence they give to the youth. Indeed, they show how important it is to believe not only in themselves but also those around them.

3 ......... The time they dedicate to the sport is really more than the two or three hour daily practice which includes stretching, watching tape and working on their swing, lifting or hitting the field to work on their speed. Besides the regular practice, they have to travel on buses and play in doubleheaders at the weekends. Beyond the physical activity, they have to have work ethic. Adolescents who see athletes as role models learn to mimic the work ethic that it takes to become on top of any profession.

4 ......... From their early education, they learn that they have to make good grades if they want to play the game. If they want a life in sports, they should get a scholarship from colleges and colleges will only take students who prove themselves as successful college athletes. Knowing this as early as possible will certainly encourage the youngsters in their academic life.