TABLE 1:

Key questions to include in the assessment of readiness of children for competitive sport

Questions	Recreational answer	Competitive answer
Who wants the child to participate in the sport?	Parents want child to try  Child wants a trial – first time	Child has been involved in sport and wants to continue
What are the goals for learning the skills of the sport?	Gain basic technical skill	Refine skill  Enjoys analysis of performance
What does the child enjoy socially about the sport?	Likes to meet new friends  Building social skills	Builds his or her own character  Enjoys a few close, long term friends
How much time does the family have?	One to two times a week to a total of 4 to 5 h	Five to six times a week with a total of 16 to 25 h
How many other activities does the child have?	Seasonal variations  May have multiple activities	One dominant activity; may have a second that is usually complementary in some way