​It is argued that the addition of sports, on top of school, work, and a youth's social life, can cause more stress. However, a counter argument says that sports actually relieve stress.  The catharsis theory states that acting aggressively is an effective way to reduce stress.  Many people acknowledge that physical exercise can boost energy and increase self-esteem as well.  Furthermore, playing one or more sports is a good way to practice time management.  Balancing homework, a job, sleep, and leisure time is hard enough. But studies show that student athletes in fact do better in school because they keep a steady schedule.  

Youth athlete's stress does not come from inside the sport; rather it comes from the troubles outside.  Research has shown that the environment in which the student lives in has an effect on delinquent behavior.  A student practicing sports in a poor community may display more delinquency than a student who is in a more wealthy facility with better facilities and coaching.