Ohio considers regulating youth sports

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - State officials and athletic organizations say it's time to think about regulating youth sports programs outside schools.

This change in attitude comes after The Columbus Dispatch published a five-part series that explored a year-round, $5 billion youth sports industry. The newspaper reported that largely unregulated sports programs are pushing some children too hard and pressuring families to spend big money traveling the country for games, specialized training and the pursuit of elusive college scholarships.

"We have done a disservice to our children and their families, because we have allowed the structure to grow into what it is," Ohio State University athletic director Gene Smith said. "We have had all these cottage industries pop up and convince families they have to fly to Connecticut or go to Vegas to compete against the best. I think it's a flawed system."

Ohio High School Athletic Association officials have outlined standards for youth sports to protect hundreds of thousands of children who participate in sports programs outside schools.

With more money, officials said they could perform background checks, establish financial guidelines and develop a training program to prevent injuries.

Youth sports programs are currently run by nonprofit organizations, companies, cities and individuals.

Some youth sports groups are willing to meet with the high school association to discuss ideas for standards and regulations.

Dublin Youth Athletics athletic director Jim Link said it makes sense that the high school association wants to provide leadership.

"It's a good idea because they've got structure," said Jim Link, athletic director for Dublin Youth Athletics, an organization he has been with for 28 years. "It's something I would listen to, see what they've got in mind, and see if it makes sense."

But others -- like the Mid-Ohio Select Soccer League president Jim Sturm -- said there's no need for a uniform set of standards in youth sports.

"I don't see an overarching need for that," Sturm said. "That very well may be a proverbial solution in search of a problem."

Gov. Ted Strickland said officials should explore options to improve youth sports programs.

"When too great of an emphasis is placed on excelling and winning - whether to be competitive for a scholarship or a professional career - there can be serious consequences, including permanent injury or too much stress for a young person to handle," Strickland said.