Author Topic: Athletics in the Catholic family (Read 4382 times)

MaterDominici · « **on:** September 29, 2012, 11:49:37 PM »

I know at least a couple of you guys really seem to want to talk about this, so here you go! : )

Tell me, what does it look like in your opinion?
When do you start? What sorts of involvement are allowed or not allowed? How far do you go with allowing and/or encouraging pursuit of athletics? How are these things different for boys vs. girls.

There's an article out there called "The League of St. Liniment" from Integrity magazine that covers the topic and speaks very favorably of participation in sports. I honestly don't remember much of what it says, but you can find it online. I think the article focused on boy participation, but could be wrong.

My problems with athletics usually come in the from of undesired side effects. For example, the article mentioned above was written in the 1940s, so the circuмstances regarding the other participants was quite different than today where worldly influences from group settings is a serious concern for children of a young age. When it comes to female participation, you can add to the problem the issue of modesty. Neither of these are necessarily inherent to the sport, but pose real difficulties in making decisions for a Catholic family.

Vladimir · « **Reply #1 on:** September 30, 2012, 12:21:01 AM »

Martial arts for the boys. Start young.

For the girls, maybe stick with less "martial" arts like Tai-chi, etc.

No or very few issues of modesty there!

Marcelino · « **Reply #2 on:** September 30, 2012, 01:09:05 AM »

To me sports are all about competition and making war. I don't really see the point for girls. It seems like they should focus on things like posture, poise, balance, flexibility (the old walking with a book balanced on her head routine, plus a lot of stretching). Also, some kind of general fitness, everyone needs cardio, but that isn't sports.

Dancing is something girls usually enjoy and as long as it isn't "dirty dancing," i don't see why it could not be a part of home life.

Boys learn sports/fighting sports at home, from their dad and brothers. They use books and videos to study the basics of a sport and then use each other to practice on. That can be enough; sort of like "home sports," to go with "home school" and it can really rock n roll, if dad sets it up (even better if he has learned to compete himself -z.e.r.-, so that he knows what he needs to teach them to win) and mom supports it.

Of course, with that foundation, there's all kinds of other things they can participate in, in the community, to take it further, but then they risk "exposure" to "the zombies"

Traditional Guy 20 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 30, 2012, 07:50:50 AM »

Quote from: MaterDominici

I know at least a couple of you guys really seem to want to talk about this, so here you go! : )

Tell me, what does it look like in your opinion?
When do you start? What sorts of involvement are allowed or not allowed? How far do you go with allowing and/or encouraging pursuit of athletics? How are these things different for boys vs. girls.

There's an article out there called "The League of St. Liniment" from Integrity magazine that covers the topic and speaks very favorably of participation in sports. I honestly don't remember much of what it says, but you can find it online. I think the article focused on boy participation, but could be wrong.

My problems with athletics usually come in the from of undesired side effects. For example, the article mentioned above was written in the 1940s, so the circuмstances regarding the other participants was quite different than today where worldly influences from group settings is a serious concern for children of a young age. When it comes to female participation, you can add to the problem the issue of modesty. Neither of these are necessarily inherent to the sport, but pose real difficulties in making decisions for a Catholic family.

I think it's okay to start both boys and girls in middle school. In terms of involvement well of course women shouldn't box but I have no problem with feminine sports. I would encourage athletics and physical fitness very early on and put it on equal encouragement with acedemics. For me there doesn't seem to be a difference in encouragement. Sport is used for staying healthy and that applies to both genders. For boys football, basketball, baseball, and boxing should be encouraged and for girls feminine sports and cheerleading, in my opinion at least.

Well you know in terms of modesty some people on here think boys should run around in trousers and covered up, which is absolutely rediculous. Now I'm usually for modesty but when it comes to sports modesty has to be practical. As for the worly concerns we shouldn't go under a rock and hide ourselves in fear from it but face it head on.

Traditional Guy 20 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 30, 2012, 07:59:23 AM »

Quote from: Traditional Guy 20

For boys football, basketball, baseball, and boxing should be encouraged

And swimming and weightlifting.