Is the idea of taekwondo primarily as a sport such a bad thing?

From Children in Sport - Sport can be a powerful vehicle for developing life skills such as teamwork, dedication and goal setting. In a positive sporting environment, children have the opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and develop new interests. It takes parents, children and coaches working together to provide this type of environment, and parents are an integral part of this sport team.

I'd strongly suggest going here, and downloading the guidelines. Doesn't this seem like the guideline that any dojo could use for their junior members?

From New Zealand Orienteering - Regular participation in sport promotes growth and body awareness, aids in the acquisition of motor skills and competent movement, and provides opportunities for the development of many personal and social skills. Sport provides a medium through which the individual is able to develop a positive self concept and greater confidence. Enjoyable and rewarding experiences in physical activity and sport at a young age help in developing lasting self esteem and a positive attitude to physical actvity and health.

Karate Kids in Honolulu says: "Through fun, cooperative workouts, we strive to provide students with the skills, energy and confidence to pursue their dreams and to make a useful contribution to the world."

Florida Kung Fu Academy says: "At Florida Kung Fu Academy, we strongly focus on development and personal attention of our young students. Through our instructions and training methods, your children will develop: Concentration, Character, Self Esteem, Cooperation, Self-Control, and Etiquette."

At Sisk's Black Belt Academy - "There are many reasons for kids to become involved in the Martial Arts. We have developed a program based on traditional Taekwondo for kids call Karate for Kids. The Karate for Kids system is based on a lifetime learning concept in addition to technical skills. The building blocks for our system are monthly themes such as: Goals - Self-Control - Courtesy - Integrity - Friendship - Confidence - Self-Awareness - Self-Esteem - Perseverance - Self-Improvement - Respect - Dedication"

From the Greater Snohomish County Youth Football League - "Our objective is to provide youth, regardless of race, creed, or nation of origin, the opportunity to play football for fun, in a positive and safe environment. We strive to teach each participant the fundamentals of football as well as sportsmanship, teamwork, self discipline, physical fitness, friendship, leadership, and many other important life skills."

So here we see the incredible differences between the stated goals of sports and at least some representatives of the martial arts community. And now for the skill testing question:

The differences are __________________________________ ?