Making a representative sports team as a teenager could soon be a thing of the past.
New Zealand's most popular sporting codes are uniting to tackle the mounting pressure put on teens to perform, and rep tournaments are being reviewed as part of that.
It's all part of a shift to take the pressure away from winning and stop teens dropping out.
As a teen Jared Schnell pushed his body to the limit, and pushed it too far at just 13-years-old.
- Kiwi sporting legend Jeff Wilson backs more emphasis on fun, less on winning in kids' sport
- Sports leaders want more fun and less emphasis on winning in kids' sport
"I ran, I played cricket, I played soccer as well," he told Newshub. "I broke my back twice.
"The first time through cricket, and I was bowling a ball and I heard it snap."
Schnell said six months later, his back snapped while playing soccer.
The pressure to perform in sport - be that from coaches or parents - has the sporting codes concerned.
There's a fear it's turning kiwi kids away.
And getting fun back into the game is the big promise from the five codes; rugby, cricket, football, netball and hockey, who have drawn up a statement of intent.
Even some of our top athletes are getting behind the message.
"At that younger age it's about enjoying it, and that's why you're out there with your mates," All Black Matt Todd said.
The codes hope putting participation above results will help our next generation of representatives athletes stay in the game, so they can make it to the top.
Newshub.
