Million Whys Press logo
Million Whys PressToronto
← Book 28 videos

Book 28, Question 128 · Video

Why do sports have age groups and skill levels?

Video · 1:50 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 28

Dividing players by age, size, or skill makes games safer and fairer. Eight-year-olds and fifteen-year-olds grow and play very differently, and a match between very different players isn't fun for either one. Some sports also use weight classes. When teams are matched well, every player gets a chance to learn, to try, and to win some of the time.

Read the full answer →

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do sports have age groups and skill levels?

The Big Idea

Kids play in age groups and skill levels! Why split players up? Let's find out.

Growing Bodies

Step one: Growing Bodies. Eight-year-olds and fifteen-year-olds grow and play very differently. A match between very different players isn't fun for either one.

Weight Classes

Step two: Weight Classes. Some sports, like judo, boxing, and wrestling, use weight classes. That way, lighter athletes face lighter opponents.

Everyone Learns

Step three: Everyone Learns. Dividing players by age, size, or skill makes games safer and fairer. When teams are matched well, every player gets a chance to learn, try, and win sometimes.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Similar ages. Similar sizes. Similar levels. Weight classes.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Judo, boxing, and wrestling use weight classes so lighter athletes face lighter opponents. Safer for everyone. Close games are more fun. Everyone gets to learn.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Think about playing a close game. Think about a very lopsided game. Which one was more fun? List three reasons why. Share your list with a friend.

Outro

Age groups, skill levels, and weight classes match players who are similar, which makes games safer and fairer. When teams are matched well, every player gets a chance to learn, to try, and to win some of the time. Science is amazing! Remember, every big discovery starts with a small question. Keep looking, keep learning, and keep asking why! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

Why I wrote this