Does a 10-year-old need extreme coaching?

DEAR AMY: My 10-year-old daughter has had limited coaching in a sport that she enjoys but does not excel at -- though she has great potential. The moms of other kids we know have started switching gears to extreme coaching, where the child works out for 30 hours a week all summer (right now, my daughter works at her sport for 12 hours a week). I'm torn between wanting the best (and the best opportunity) for statewide honors -- and allowing my child time to spend with friends to develop social skills. A program I'm considering requires a commitment of 30 hours a week and costs $5,000. I'd have to work more hours to come up with this money. Her coach says the 12 hours a week is fine for now. The other coach, who requires the extended hours, says that is what's required to turn out a champion. I'm not sure if this competitive environment is healthy at her age. What do you think? Curious Parent

DEAR CURIOUS: In my view, 10-year-old children should play games, not sports; they should have teachers, not professional coaches; and they should spend their summers reading, riding bikes, playing and dreamily watching clouds assume animal shapes.

I realize this is a sentimental view, but unless your child is headed for the Olympics or a career as a professional athlete in this one sport, then why would you deny her the opportunity to try many different sports (and other activities) at this young age? Adolescent athletes already are shuffled into at least two tracks -- those who play at pre-college levels through club and travel teams, and those who play for their school teams.

I believe that mainly the parents and paid coaches are driving this industry.

Recent studies show that -- instead of creating a generation of "champions" -- kids are experiencing burnout and increased injuries due to excessive concentration in one sport.