Sporting events and positive adolescent development
Sporting events are planned and organized to support the healthy development of young people. The development of people into morally upright adults is included in positive adolescent development. When skills learned in the field are successfully applied in various settings in life, athletic pursuits have an impact on life skills.
Golf and its positive influence
Like all sports, golf can have a positive influence on a player's existence. Golf is associated with fundamental principles like honesty and integrity because players are expected to maintain their own scorecards and assign penalties to themselves. In an attempt to get more people playing golf, The First Tee Organization was established in 1997. It has since incorporated life skills in its curriculum. The paper investigates how the game of golf has positively impacted the lives of youth across the globe. The First Tee Organization provides a practical example for how it is committed in providing life skills for youths.
Key words: sports, development, golf, The First Tee Organization
Table of Contents
Abstract 2
Table of Contents 3
Introduction 4
The Game of Golf 5
The First Tee Organization 6
History 6
Activities and Programs 6
Impact of the Organization 9
Recommendations for Sports-Based Youth Development 15
Conclusion 17
References
18
How Golf (First Tee Organization) Positively Impacts Underprivileged Youth
Introduction
Sports and exercise are considered necessary in development physically, psychologically, and socially. In the recent decades, researchers have put considerable efforts into studying how sporting activities can be structured to promote positivity amongst the youth across the globe. Positive youth development (PYD) is mainly conceptualized regarding learning life skills such as self-control, hard work, goal-setting, emotional control, and confidence. For skills acquired in sports to be considered a life skill, the individual must transfer the skills acquired during the sporting activities to another setting beyond the course. Research indeed indicates that a wide range of life skills can be acquired through sporting activities. As such, sporting activities specially structured to teaching life skills to students foster significant positive youth development.
The First Tee Organization is a non-profit youth development program that introduces the game of golf and its fundamental values to youth. The First Tee Organization is a division of the World Golf Foundation designed to impact the lives of young individuals. The group is associated with shaping the lives of youth from all walks of life by reinforcing the importance of basic moral activities such as respect and integrity through the game of golf. The intentional aspect of teaching life skills to the youth associated with First Tee Organization maximizes the development benefits to the youth. The programs provided by this organization have a positive impact on not only the participants, but also their families and societies at large. This paper is particularly focused on golf as a game, and how it influences the lives of youth. The First Tee Organization provides a practical example of how sports can be used to positively impact the lives of the youth.
The Game of Golf
Games are important in providing a favorable setting for learning life skills, especially when they are approached intentionally for the purpose of inspiring life skills. Golf is a game of club and ball, where players use different clubs to hit balls to some holes on the course in a few smash as possible. Since the holes are scattered across the course, it does not use a standardized playing area. The game demands physical, mental, and emotional dedication, hence provides an opportunity for individuals to grow in these aspects.
Golf has rules, etiquette, and processes and collaborates with life in this regard. In the game, when the player is out of bounds he or she is penalized as regulation. Similarly, in life, rules are meant to be adhered to or risk facing the repercussion of any other. Anyone can play golf regarding physical attributes, unlike other sporting activities; hence, it can be embraced by a larger number of individuals. Since it is a non-contact game, the risks associated with injuries are minimal (The First Tee Organization, 2016). It is also important in forging friendships, since the youth can meet different individuals that may positively influence their lives. Apart from all these attributes, the concept of golf inspiring life lessons is also vital. Golf closely relates to real life from good shots and bad to the associated penalties to the rewards inspires young people to keep each shot in perceptive and set individual goals. It also encourages young people to control their emotions, maintain a positive outlook despite their current scores, and focus on one shot at a time (Weiss & Weise-Bjornstal, 2009; Wulf, Lauterbach, & Toole, 1999). Golf enables the players to learn integrity, discipline, self-control, and respect. Apart from being a challenging sport, golf is unique from other sports, as it builds on values such as honesty and responsibility, since the players are expected to call penalties on themselves and report their scores. The golf course provides a perfect platform for young people to develop essential skills. The lessons acquired in the course may transmit in real life, hence fostering positive outcomes.
The First Tee Organization
History
The organization was founded in the efforts to address the issue of why young people are not actively involved in golf as a sport. In the year 1997, several organizations came together to make the issue a matter of the past. These groups included LGPA, the Master Tournament, the PGA Tour, USGA, and PGA America. The First Tee Organization was formed as a solution to increase the number of youth involved in the game of golf. Initially, the organization started as a way to bring inexpensive junior golf programs to societies that did not have them. The programs were majorly focused on economically disadvantaged communities (The First Tee Organization, 2017a). However, with time, the organization realized blending the rules of golf as a game with life and leadership skills students not only learned how to putt, but also acquired significant values. As such, the organization has grown to be more than just a mere golf lesson provider to offering life skills lessons to millions of young people.
Activities and Programs
The mission of the First Tee is to prepare children and youths from all backgrounds to prepare for life in all aspects. First Tee organization is more than a sports program for the youth. The organization not only teaches the specifics of the golf swing, but also inspires good values in young people through their character development programs. The coaches are trained in incorporating life skill education and golf training, hence fostering positive development amongst the young people (Bernett, Robertson, Brian, & Hardy, 2015). The lessons provided in the organization are designed to teach in golf and help young people develop the First Tee Nine Core Values. The values include perseverance, courtesy, responsibility, respect, confidence, judgment, honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship (The First Tee Organization, 2017b). Honesty involves calling a penalty on oneself if any rules are, broke while confidence entails believing in oneself regardless of the outcomes. Fairness, on the other hand, involves treating other players, whether they are winning or losing. The organization is committed to teaching communication skills including how to make introductions after meeting someone and how to communicate effectively with others irrespective of their backgrounds. It teaches self-management about controlling emotions and thoughts. Emphasis is made on goal-setting to ensure the ultimate fulfillment of dreams and overcoming challenges through effective strategies to adapt, manage, and overcome encounters.
The First Tee life skills experience is designed progressively regarding age to help young people develop both golf and life skills. The player category introduces the game of golf to a young mind by emphasizing on the basics. A minimum age of seven years is required in this particular group. The First Tee code of conduct is introduced to the player including the nine core values and appreciation for the rules and etiquette that drives golf. The second category is majorly focused on interpersonal relationships including communication skills and self-management skills (Muuray et al., 2016). The group is commonly referred to as Par. The organization recommends a minimum age of nine years for the players in this category. The Birdie stage insists on goal-setting and is recommended to individuals around eleven years. The next class, the Eagle, emphasizes on confidence skills, problem-solving aspects, and planning for the future (Tucson Conquistadores, 2012). The stage is recommended for young people above the age of 13 years. The Ace, the highest program of the First Tee Organization, teaches on setting goals for golf, education, career, and life in general and giving back to the society whenever possible. The final stage is recommended to youths above the age of 14.
The organization is built on a solid philosophy that each young person requires the assistance of an adult to develop. The agency believes that positive youth development occurs through quality relationships between the coaches and the players. It is considered that “young people do not care what a coach knows until they know a coach cares” (The First Tee Organization, 2014). As such, a positive, meaningful relationship between the coaches and the players are advocated through four building blocks, which include activity-based, mastery-driven, empower youth, and continuous learning. In activity-based section, the emphasis is made on doing rather than telling, hence creating experience-based learning, which ensures efficient delivery of life skills within the golf course. Mastery-driven philosophy focuses on seeking tasks that are essential in developing new skills, as such emphasis is made on both process and outcomes. Empower youth section is based on taking a student-centered approached versus the teacher-centered. The student-centered approach is important in inspiring decision-making in young people. The coaches are trained in seeking continuous learning about finding a long-term solution instead of short term fixes. As such young people are engaged in feedback to identify coachable moments that inspire growth (Camire & Kendellen, 2016).
The organization believes in healthy habits that are part of their curriculum. The practices were created through a partnership with The First Tee, ANNIKA Foundation, and Florida Hospital to promote healthy lifestyles for the young people (The First Tee Organization, 2017a). The healthy habits are categorized into three groups, including physical, emotional, and social health. In the physical regard, energy is considered necessary through eating healthy foods. Emotionally, the influence of the family in healthy choices and the psychological impact of having a vision in impacting the activities of an individual are emphasized. In the social platform, First Tee insists on healthy relationships with friends, success in school, and giving back to the community.
The First Tee code of conduct is encouraged within First Tee and in other aspects of life (Papacharisis, Goudos, Danish, & Theodarakis, 2005). The behavior includes respect for oneself, others, and the surrounding at large. Regarding respect for oneself, one is encouraged to be honest and keep a positive attitude regardless of the outcomes. The player is also encouraged to be physically active and pursue healthy habits such as enough sleep, being physically active, eating well, and maintaining proper attitudes. Respect for others involves providing a conducive environment for the other players and being helpful. It includes maintaining healthy relationships with others. Compliance with the surrounding means keeping the golf course clean and all other equipment used in the course. First Tee emphasizes on respect for the environment, hence fostering sensitive citizens concerning climate change.
Impact of the Organization
Over the last two decades, the First Tee Organization has grown to reach more than 3.9 million young people every year. It provides golf activities to more than 500 learning institutions. The First Tee operates in all 50 states in the USA and other international platforms (Weiss, Stunt, Bhalla, & Price, 2013). Since the organization is committed to helping individuals build character and developing core values and other life skills, it inspires a lot of positivity in the youth involved in their programs. The First Tee life skills program educates on goal planning, informed decision making and mentoring which are skills that are used both on and off the golf course. The program is mainly targeted at minorities and disabled youth, hence impacting their lives positively. The current statistics showcase that only an approximate of two percent of children between the age of 12 and 17 try the game of golf, and only five percent of the total national golfers are minorities (Fjelstul, Jackson, & Tesone, 2011). Studies cite the critical barrier of attracting more children, especially underprivileged young people, as there is lack of places that welcomed them, places they could access physically, and places they could afford. The First Tee Organization was founded to address these access issues and affordability issues among underprivileged children. The First Tee Organization core values, healthy habits, and psychological aspects influence youths positively irrespective of their backgrounds. Values such as honesty and integrity are of particular importance in all areas of life. The mere points that an individual can keep an accurate score and call a penalty on his or herself may influence their honesty in other areas of their lives.
The organization is also committed to providing scholarships to underprivileged children. Over the years, the organization has enabled thousands of students from different backgrounds to access education. Education is of particular importance in ensuring better opportunities for the beneficiaries, especially in the job market (The First Tee Organization, 2014). This enables them to improve not only their living standards, but also the economic situation of the society as a whole. The chapters, in many cases, offer full scholarship or reduced fee programming for individuals in financial needs. Emphasis is made on the importance of education in the healthy habits and skills such as goal-setting; it may be important in improving academic performance.
Studies have indicated that sports programs are important in crime prevention, especially for at-risk youths. The International Child and Youth Care Network describes at-risk youth as individuals, who are at a greater risk of being failed by adults, institutions, or societies at large because of their situations such as poverty, single parents, or parents in jail (Scott, 2016). These youths are considered underprivileged. Sporting programs are such as the First Tee organization are important in deterring criminal activities. Similarly, they are important in reducing antisocial behaviors. A sporting program reduces crimes and anti-social behavior by engaging the youth in sporting activities rather than leaving them to their own devices (Tysoe, 2010). Research indicates that when youth are actively involved in sporting activities, there is a considerable rate of reduction of crime. Sporting activities are important in influencing good values in young people such as integrity that prevent criminal activities (Lubans, Plotnikoff, & Lubans, 2012). For instance, the First Tee Organization insists on the importance of continuous improvement that can only be achieved through constant practice.
As such, at-risk youth are actively involved in golf activities rather than remaining ideal, which may influence antisocial behavior or criminal activities. Values such as patience and confidence are important in guiding underprivileged youth. Many youths have a tendency to want something immediately, which influences criminal activities. In the game of golf, there is no immediate success and requires time to master the skills. As such, the game is important in increasing patience, hence influencing self-correction and self-worth.
Sporting activities emphasize the importance of healthy living. The First Tee Organization describes the healthy habits as a part of their curriculum. Healthy lifestyles assist underprivileged youths to embrace positive habits such as enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and physical activities. Activities are important in preventing substance abuse common in underprivileged youth (Brunelle, Danish, & Forneris, 2007). Substance abuse may result in anti-social behaviors and criminal activities. Abusing drugs may also lead to low achievements in school, which are a recipe for poverty and low living standards (Dunn & Wang, 2003).
The First Tee Organization, in many cases, contributes to the building of life-long athletics. Studies carried amongst the First Tee alumni indicated that almost 90% become committed to the game even after graduating from the organization. Unlike other sports activities that require physical virility for good performance, any individual can play golf irrespective of the game. As such, many people graduating from First Tee become committed to golf throughout their lifetime. Golf is a physical activity and like other games influences the players positively regarding health (Lincoln City Golf, 2016). The values such as integrity and honesty associated with golf are important in the job market in every career. Golf is important in influencing activities of children and adults by providing quality time outdoors in a great environment. Similarly, the benefits of physical education extend well to influence both academic performance and physical activities patterns amongst students.
Sporting activities are relevant to underprivileged youth, since they provide an opportunity for them to build connections and networks, which would be otherwise impossible to achieve without the sporting program. Golf is a powerful tool for creating connections. The golf course provides many opportunities for young adults to play with distinguished professionals and leading executives from different companies (Weiss et al., 2013). These links may be relevant in their future careers and professional relationships. The skills advocated in golf such as etiquette helps the youth to not only grow their connections, but also prepare them for the professional world. Since the First Tee Organization brings the youth of different background together, it contributes to embracing diversity. The First Tee provides underprivileged youth with power to develop career through bringing people of different ages, abilities, and backgrounds together.
The First Tee Organization provides opportunities for underprivileged young adults to make friends through socialization and have fun despite their situations at home. Golf is a social sport. Each week, children and teenagers are matched with different other members of the team, hence allowing them to meet other people and expand their network of friends. The interactions with their coaches provide opportunity for them to interact with older generations and relate with their experiences in life (Coakley, 2011). The focus on positivity in the First Tee Organization allows the youth to have fun irrespective of their scores on the course. As such, the First Tee Organization is critical in ensuring underprivileged children and young adults have a good time and relax like any other teenagers across the globe. Playing recreationally is important for lives of most disadvantaged children.
Sporting activities promote active citizenship in underprivileged youth. Sporting events play a key role in engaging individuals in societal challenges by fostering the educational and instrumental value of sport as a means of fostering better health, intercultural interactions, and social integration (Trunnidge, Merczak, Blyth, & Borden, 2014). The voluntary aspects associated with First Tee Organization are important in increasing competencies and skills. The First Tee Organization insists on the importance of giving back to the society, hence advocating for good citizenship. Provision of assistance to underprivileged communities extends beyond the course to ensure that they have sufficient basic needs. As such, the First Tee Organization enables disadvantaged youth to be more dedicated to the regulations and rules of the country.
The First Tee Organization differs from other junior golf programs, since it is committed to developing the lives of financially disadvantaged youth through golf. It promotes the teaching of life skills through integrated education and learning processes (Danish, Forneris, & Wallace, 2005). These processes include teaching one life lesson at a time, the introduction of the life skill at the beginning of the game, and incorporating activities that promote understanding of the ability throughout the experience. The processes are eventually debriefed to the players on the life skill addressed at the end of each game (Kendellen, Bean, Camire, & Forneris, 2016). The First Tee Organization operates in more than 1,200 locations. The program was developed by experts in the psychology of positive youth development and as such committed to delivering lessons in respect to life skills (Wiggins, 2013). The coaches are trained in life skills hence equally capable of providing experiences (Miller & Strand, 2015). First Tee organization has almost 4,000 coaches in their network including PGA and LPGA professionals and other volunteers that believe in the programs advocated by the organization. They are trained to create positive relationships with the players that inspire young people to develop confidence, set goals, and invest on discovering their potential.
The success level of the First Tee Organization as more than a golf provision program but rather a life skill educator is promising greater development for underprivileged children. Research conducted by the First Tee Organization through the University of Florida and the University of Nevada indicated that after an average of one and a half months, 73% of parents reported better communication skills and increased confidence in their children. More than half of the parents reported better grades in their children’s performance at school. Similarly, 65% of parents reported increased social skills in their children (The First Tee Organization, 2014). Another research that sought to evaluate the activities about life skills in groups of youth in the First Tee over a period of three years indicated that First Tee Organization is active in teaching life skills and promoting development amongst the youth. The study had 192 participants from the First Tee Organization for three consecutive years (Weiss, Botler, & Kipp, 2016). According to the results, individuals’ communication skills, interaction capabilities, and academic achievements increased with time in the organization. Sports-based youth development programs foster economic development concerning societal advantages.
Policymakers in different countries across the globe are charged with the responsibility of nurturing unity across the diverse populations. As such, they are charged with the responsibility of developing and supporting activities that are tailored to promote social inclusion. Better relationships in society results in economic benefits (Papaellina, 2012). The First Tee provides various economic benefits to the society, both short-term and long-term. The values taught in the training of golf transmit to a better human resource that is driven and honest. A good human resource economy results to quality products and services increased quantities and enhanced profit margins in many organizations. Sporting activities provide job opportunities.
Recommendations for Sports-Based Youth Development
While evidence supports the positive correlation between sports-based programs and youth development, it is important for organizations to embrace an evidence-based approach to ensure effective mechanisms and practices. The evidence-based approach will also be fundamental in identifying needs that can contribute to more efficient programs and policy designs in these programs. Sporting organizations, for instance, in golfing have a significant role to integrate the various levels of sporting practices from recreational to competitive (Weiss et al., 2016). The First Tee Organization, being based on providing life skills education, should be well planned in ensuring that the best players are absorbed in competitive leagues. Emphasis should also be put on the inclusion of the society in the sporting and educational programs to ensure quality programs that can improve the lives of the participants, their families, and the community. The programs should be consciously designed to meet the needs of the targeted participants (Papaellina, 2012). The First Tee Organization should develop ways that every individual seeking to benefit from the program receives the services irrespective of their financial capabilities.
The potential of sport to facilitate social cohesion and the youth development is based on social capital and active citizenship. Many youth development programs in sporting activities targeting underprivileged young people are sponsored by other organizations and the public through volunteering cash or human resources (Perkins & Noam, 2007). The bottom-up approach is a necessity in ensuring new programs are developed or existing ones are supported. This should be done through improving the sense of ownership and involved of the members, their families, and the society. Research indicating the success rate of these programs are also critical in ensuring the involvement of the community in the sports-based development plans.
Similarly, education and awareness initiatives should be taken in promoting sport-based youth development programs. These actions can be taken through the media, which can facilitate considerable reduction of the social and physical barriers associated with sport-based activities. Promoting awareness is useful in managing various stereotypes associated with different games and programs (Bean & Forneris, 2016). For instance, it is a common notion that golf is boring, and the players are not necessarily athletic. However, through awareness, individuals can learn that indeed, golf is a lifelong sport that inspires the players to exercise across the course. The game builds on important life values such as honesty, integrity, and concentration. Education and awareness may attract a significant number of individuals to the match.
Many non-profit organizations have stopped operations due to the aspect of poor administration at the different level of governance. As such, it is important for efforts to be made in improving governance practices, which will increase the effectiveness of sport-based youth development programs. Proper management fosters the achievements of desired outcomes, which are in consistence with the organizational values and other social norms (Wright & Li, 2009). The program’s organizers should operate with integrity to enhance the mission of the programs. Leaders in the First Tee Organization should ensure they implement the values advocated in their core values. It is also important for all agencies within the sporting activity to work together to guarantee that goals of underprivileged youths are achieved. A practical instance, in First Tee Organization, indicates that the coaches training the players are from different organizations such as PGA and LPGA.
Conclusion
Sport-based interventions are important in shaping the lives of youths positively. While it has been agreed that sports influence most teens positively, programs that are intentionally dedicated to improving youth development are particularly useful. The First Tee Organization is devoted to providing golf activities in societies that cannot afford them otherwise. The program integrates life skill education in golf activities. Golf is more than just a game; it is rather a lifestyle, according to the First Tee Organization. Not only does the game contributes in teaching life skills, but it also makes a positive impact on an individual’s physical, mental, and social health. Golf as a sport is fundamental in teaching the youth important life skills values that can improve their lives and help them gain valuable advantages in the future. The First Tee Organization integrates values such as patience, perseverance, and honesty to the game, hence facilitating the transfer of these values to life settings. The organization is dedicated to underprivileged youth, thus promoting their development regarding education, career opportunities, socialization, and general development. It is important to realize how sport-based activities reduce crime, deter antisocial behavior, and influence positive development for at-risk youths. Sporting activities such as golf allow the underprivileged children to socialize, hence expanding their circles and making meaningful connections. The First Tee and other organizations dedicated to the provision of sport-based youth development programs have been essential in improving the lives of many teenagers across the globe.
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