Child and Youth Sports

The course will provide an introduction to theory that includes individual, interaction, and adolescent physical activity related to skill development and a physically active lifestyle in the area between elite and recreational sports. The individual perspective will mainly focus on children and young people's development, learning, self-esteem and identity. The interaction perspective will focus on the coach/athlete and athlete/athlete relationship in relation to play, physical activity and sport. It is also emphasized that the youngs' sports participation should be seen in conjunction with schools and other recreational activities.

Knowledge - the student shall:

• have gained an insight into the development of children and adolescents and into sport as an arena for socialization.
• have an insight into group processes and central theories of learning.
• have an insight in the rules and regulations regarding child and youth sports.

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• apply knowledge about the development of children, sport as a socialization factor, play-activity-training and organization and development of sports activity for children and adolescents.
• use observation as a tool in the effort to describe and evaluation central elements in the sports activity of children and adolescents.

4 hours of lectures and 2 hours of exercises per week. Certain weeks are allocated to writing.

A term paper must be written in which the student, based on theoretical perspectives, discusses current issues related to children’s and youth sports. As data for the term paper, at least two structured observations of sports activities for children or youth must be conducted.

In accordance with § 12-2 of the Norwegian Universities and University Colleges Act, students who, in connection with mandatory practical training/clinical instruction, come into contact with patients, clients, pupils, kindergarten children, or others, are required to present a police certificate.