Norway's Youth Sports Rules Delay Competition Until Age 11

Norway's youth sports system delays regional travel until age 9, rankings until age 11 and national championships until age 12. The rules, adopted 40 years ago, also require low costs and volunteer staffing funded partly by a state-owned gambling company.

The guidelines produced a 93 percent youth participation rate, according to Martin Erikstad, an associate professor at the University of Agder. In comparison, recent U.S. figures show about 55 percent participation.

Norway has won the overall medal count at each of the last three Winter Olympics despite a population smaller than the Miami metro area. Its women's national soccer team has reached at least the quarterfinals in six of nine FIFA Women's World Cup appearances, including the 1995 title.

The men's national team qualified for its first World Cup in 28 years and opens against Iraq on Tuesday. Erling Haaland, who grew up in the system, will lead the squad.

FK interviewed players born in 1999 and found that teams practiced once or twice a week until age 10 and did not travel for tournaments until age 13. Ten of the 40 players later reached a regional team and six reached a youth national team. Jon Solomon, research director at the Aspen Institute's sports and society program, said the rules draw from human-rights principles that prioritize friendship, enjoyment and developmentally appropriate play.