Sport psychologist Rainer Martens, one of the leading experts on children’s sport, offered a metaphor that still hits home decades later:

“Competitive stress may be likened to a virus. A heavy dose all at once can make a child ill. A small dose carefully regulated permits the child to learn how to channel anxiety so that it aids rather than inhibits performance. Carefully selected competitions together with realistic objectives and expectations will enable the child to learn that sport is fun and can be enjoyed whatever the result.”

That single paragraph should force every coach, parent, and administrator to pause.

Stress Isn’t the Enemy - Mismanaged Stress Is

Martens never argued that competition is bad. In fact, he believed the opposite. Competition, when introduced gradually and intentionally, teaches athletes how to handle pressure, regulate emotions, and perform when it matters.

The problem comes when stress is dumped on athletes all at once:

• Adult expectations before they’re ready
• Win-at-all-costs messaging
• Playing time tied solely to outcomes
• Fear of mistakes instead of freedom to learn

Just like a virus, too much too soon overwhelms the system.

The Power of a “Small Dose”

When stress is carefully regulated, it becomes a teacher instead of a threat.

A healthy dose of competitive pressure helps athletes:

• Learn how to manage anxiety
• Understand effort vs. outcome
• Build resilience after mistakes
• Develop confidence through preparation

The key word is regulated. Stress should match the athlete’s developmental stage - not the adult’s ego or timeline.

Competition With Purpose

Martens emphasized carefully selected competitions and realistic expectations. That means:

• Choosing appropriate levels of play
• Setting goals focused on growth, not just wins
• Teaching athletes how to measure success beyond the scoreboard

When competition is framed correctly, athletes learn something critical: sport can be fun - even when you lose.

A Challenge for Coaches and Parents

The takeaway is simple - but not easy:

• Are we inoculating athletes with healthy competitive stress?
• Or are we overwhelming them with adult pressure?

If athletes are burning out, afraid to fail, or quitting early, the issue often isn’t the sport - it’s the dosage.

Competitive stress, like a virus, must be introduced slowly, monitored carefully, and adjusted constantly.

Get started on CoachLync today!