Which of the following is NOT considered a benefit to a young athlete involved in sports and fitness?

• A. More crime
• B. Better peer relations
• C. Greater confidence
• D. Greater responsibility

Answer: (A)

Participating in sports and fitness during youth supports social and personal development in several positive ways. It helps young athletes build peer relations through teamwork, shared goals, and regular interaction with teammates and coaches. This social aspect fosters cooperation, communication, and a sense of belonging, which enhances how they relate to peers both in and out of sports. Mastery of physical skills and progress in performance boosts confidence; seeing improvement, setting goals, and meeting challenges gives a sense of competence and self-worth. Sports also cultivate greater responsibility because frequent practices, punctuality, following rules, and taking care of equipment teach accountability and self-discipline.

The option describing more crime is not a benefit. In fact, organized sport and regular physical activity are typically associated with lower involvement in riskier or delinquent behaviors, due to structured time, supervision, and positive role models. So the other choices reflect real benefits, while the notion of increased crime does not.