I disagree with this essay because the author is presenting young kids as frail and breakable. Everyone has seen those videos of kids who crumple themselves in ways that don't even seem possible, and then get up and walk away with no injuries. That to me, makes the statement of "a twelve-year-old trying to throw a curve ball, for example, may put abnormal strain on a developing arm and shoulder muscles, sometimes resulting in lifelong injuries" (Koppett) insane. Kids have to be sturdy because they are just learning how the world works, and are bound to make mistakes that hurt. Presenting kids as weak and saying that "too much competition too early in life can affect a child's development" (Statsky) doesn't quite make sense. If you protect your
