Cost of equipment and Participation
Organized Sports:
Pros- They are taught the proper techniques and the right way of doing certain things. And having equipment keeps the child protected from getting seriously hurt. For instance in baseball if you don't wear a helmet and get hit in the head by a fast ball, you can end up with severe head injury.
Cons- Having equipment it makes it harder to complete some of the tasks. And as a parent of an athlete and a cheerleader equipment is very expensive.
Unstructured free play:
Pros- Having the freedom to do whatever the children feel. No structure and can make their own rules. Most of no one to yell at them. And they can wear no equipment if they want to.
Cons- Not having to wear equipment is very dangerous. Most free play there is no equipment involved.
Safety and Injuries
Organized Sport:
Pros- It gives the children the opportunity to follow rules and to be safe. Teaches them the right from the wrong.
Cons- Children have to follow strict rules, and have certain limits on things to do and not do.
Unstructured free play:
Pros- Kids are able to actually see how far they can go before getting hurt. They can set their own limits to how rough they can be.
Cons- No limitations for the children. Which can cause severe injuries.
Relevance within a School Environment
Organized Sport:
Pros- Participation in organized sports can have both physical and social benefits for children.
Cons- Is not appropriate for all types of children.
Free Play:
Pros- At the school they are being watched carefully so no one gets hurt.
Cons- Some teachers play to rough as well. Which means there are not concerned enough for the children.
Inclusion of Children with Special Needs
Organized Sport:
Pros- It proofs that every child can participate. It also shows that everyone is the same and can do the same things ever with special needs.
Cons- It will take more time to teach due to having to take time to make sure the children with special needs understand.
Free Play:
Pros- Anybody is able to play to matter who they are.
Cons- In today's world there would be a lot of bullying.
Developing relationships within the community
Organized Sport:
Pros- Children that are involved in organized sport get the opportunity to meet new children from different cities in their counties. And for those that are in traveling sports get to meet people from other states.
Cons- Some children do not like to travel or meet new people.
Free Play:
Pros- All types of children in the neighborhood can play. Which they get the opportunity to play with children from different schools and all different children that live around them.
Cons- That you can't trust other children. They might be bullies or mean. Which being around those kind of children can be a bad influence?
Home/School Connection
Organized Sport:
Pros- It gives the children the opportunity to bond with their parents. For example being involved in softball you can go out and throw the ball around with mother or father. It also helps the parents see how active their children are. The parents will also be able to see the good behavior in school and home.
Cons- Some parents don't have the time to be involved with children's sport schedule or school schedule.
Free Play:
Pros- Parents get information about the stuff but doesn't mean they have to participate.
Cons- The parents don't make time for their children, their health, or schooling.