Looking for Alternatives
Three Growing Sports to Consider
By Diane Acerni

Once upon a time, in the days of olde, kids had little choice in recreational activities. Ask any middle-aged survivor - times were tough. Organized youth sports meant Little League baseball, youth football or youth basketball - for boys only, of course. For girls, the choices were even more limited - watching the boys play these sports and if they were lucky, wearing a uniform and shaking some pom-poms while they did.

Fortunately, for all family members concerned, times have changed. The opportunities for participation in athletic activities have increased exponentially. Today, there seems to be a sport for everyone. While most families may be more familiar with more "traditional" sports, they may want to consider some alternatives that are quickly becoming more mainstream.

SOMETHING TO CHEER ABOUT

Although cheerleading existed for many years as a sideline compliment to sports, it was not considered a sport itself. Now it is. What used to be "rah-rahs" interspersed with a few jumps and cartwheels is now intricate dance routines, tumbling, catchy chants and stunts that seem to defy the laws of physics.

But, a sport? Sam Rotellini, a former university cheerleader with over 20 years of experience as a coach, instructor, consultant and judge at the high school to collegiate level, qualifies. "Cheerleading has a fan base of its own…it doesn't need another sport to draw an audience," he says. "The cardiovascular fitness, athletic ability and coordination required also make it a sport."

Many colleges and universities apparently agree, as cheerleading can be a means of earning scholarship money.

Rotellini sees no hard and fast minimum age requirement. "You can start it at any age," he says. "There are many programs out there," he says. "Parents just need to use common sense and shop for them."

Every program should have sound safety practices, but Rotellini also reminds parents of their responsibility, too. "An eight-year-old is fearless - and light, so it's easy for them to be airborne…they usually don't appreciate the risk involved with stunts. It's important for parents to monitor and discuss these issues with their child."

Rotellini also says that 90 percent of sport-related injuries occur in the high school and younger cheering groups, primarily due to lack of awareness and training in safety. The American Association of Cheer Coaches and Advisors is a non-profit association dedicated to upholding the "safe and responsible practice of student cheerleading." This is a group that sets standards nation-wide and can be consulted for explanation of safety and credentialing standards. (www.aacca.com).

If your child just wants a fun way to exercise a good set of lungs, a springboard for other sports or sets their sights on obtaining a college education via cheerleading, this is a sport for all who want to participate. When approached properly, cheer and dance can provide a base for healthy fitness habits, improved self image and coordination.

FOR KICKS

The term martial arts may conjure up many different mental pictures - karate chops sufficient for breaking stacks of wood, popular video games or baggy white outfits.

According to Chip Willis, a student of these Asian fighting disciplines for over 35 years, "Martial arts is a lifestyle." Willis, who has earned a blackbelt in Kenpo Jujitsu, readily cites the benefits of study.

"Martial arts can teach discipline and self control…it gives you goals to achieve and requires you to be diligent in your efforts to reach them," he says.

A wide range of styles and methods abound in this sport, with the Korean style, Tae kwon do and Japanese Jujitsu, Judo and Karate among the most popular.

To those unfamiliar, the variations may be overwhelming, but Willis offers some useful tips when searching for the right one.

Begin by watching other beginners. Willis suggests that you call your local dojo (gym) to arrange for an observation of their novice classes. Plan to meet the sensei (instructor), too.

The right instructor and program should "strike a balance between being demanding but not frustrating for you or your child," Willis says. "Watch how the sensei interacts with students - their patience," he adds.

Parents of beginners should also consider their child's traits and readiness. Willlis recommends that parents ask themselves, "How focused is my child -how much feedback do they need?"

Martial arts can develop compartmentalization, the ability to focus on the activity at hand, while temporarily blocking out other concerns and distractions.

And, while compartmentalization is a desirable quality to pursue, everyone needs some positive reinforcement, too. In martial arts, this is known as the belt system.

Willis is a student of the traditional approach to the arts, which has fewer degrees than the westernized approach. The latter has a belt system that follows the traditional four -color belt system (white, green, brown and black), but offers segments within each color, providing more frequent rewards. "The non-traditional approach can give certain kids more encouragement and sense of self-accomplishment," Willis says.

As for which particular school of study suits you or your child best, that is a matter of opinion. "Watch them all," Willis says, "and see which ones appeal to you."

Once a style is chosen, investigate different dojos. Consider such issues as physical space and equipment, safety protocols, class arrangement (most organize according to age, then skill level) and credentials of the organization and staff.

Family classes are also becoming popular as a compliment to age-appropriate training. Many facilities will also offer trial periods of instruction to determine a child's interest level once familiarized with the sport.

You can start your own search today, as a wide variety of dojos and sensei can be found in the yellow pages.

DOWN THE TRAIL

Adventures in bicycling have come a long way from attaching playing cards to your wheel spokes for the thrill of the sound effects they made as you pedaled down the street.

Today, kids and parents alike can enjoy much more exciting and challenging bicycling on safer courses - off the road.

Robert Duppstadt, a biking enthusiast and skilled cyclist, has seen the evolution of mountain biking in western Pennsylvania. "Organized bicycling has been popular in eastern Pennsylvania for years and it's finally catching on here," he says.

Duppstadt attributes the trend in part to an increase in bike-friendly courses such as Rails-to-Trails and the increase in instructional programs offered at such facilities as Seven Springs Resort.

"Cycling is a sport that you can enjoy whether you're 6 or 76," Duppstadt says. "Biking gets your child in a healthy mindset."

Parents can encourage this pastime by example. In addition to Rails-to-Trails, area county parks and facilities such as Seven Springs offer fun, safe biking trails, free of the distraction and danger of motor vehicles (watch out for two and four-footed traffic, however).

If you are unsure of your child's initial interest, bikes can often be rented. When the time comes to buy, Duppstadt doesn't recommend breaking the bank, but he does recommend quality. "If you bike a lot, you're going to have to eventually replace parts," he says. "If you have a well-made bike, you can do that - you can't on a lesser quality one."

Seven Springs offers individualized instruction and their Adventure Camps are a popular summertime offering. The camps are week-long experiences in such activities as rope courses, rock climbing, white water rafting and mountain biking to kids aged 6 to 18. Families can also enjoy Adventure Weekends together into early fall.