Dan Triplett On (08 Sep 96) was overheard to say to Charles Beams
 Getting old....put this in a temp file to respond to later but not
 this much later... )-8
 DT> I have watched 5,6 and 7 year olds children playing soccer.  I don't
 DT> think they should be allowed to play soccer at such a young age
 DT> because they have no concept of team work, a concept essential to a
 DT> good soccer team.  
 --------8<--------
 I have coached little league baseball since my oldest son was 6 (he's
 30 something now) I am still coaching because my youngest is now
 involved in the sport.  You are correct, when they are that age they
 don't have any of those concepts.  If one were to accept your line of
 reasoning merely by taking these children to ball games, allowing
 them to watch and then trying to emulate what they have seen they
 will eventually get it and become proficient ball players.  What do
 you think those coaches are doing out there?  They are teaching the
 rules of the game, how to play the various positions, how to hold and
 swing the bat, how to field the ball, how and where to throw the ball
 when they catch or pick it up.  These skills are practiced until they
 become almost second nature.  It's the same for any other sport.
 DT> Their ball handling skills are awful and yet these
 DT> kids are allowed to play in organized games!  Unthinkable!
 Assuming you have a PE teacher at your school ask for his or her
 opinion of 5, 6, 7  year olds playing these sports and what benefit
 kids get from PE.
 DT> Charles, many skills are progressive and develop on a continuum.
 Yes but they have to be taught, errors correct as they occur and
 practiced.
... Those who say it can't be done shouldn't interrupt those who are doing it
--- PPoint 2.02
---------------