This may be a bit simple minded, but I tend to think if a kid is raised a certain way they don't know any different. I don't care what sport my kids choose, they know that just like school they don't have an option, they will be involved in sports. I am a firm believer that kids sports build better kids both physically and mentally. They are more confident, more apt to be leaders and if they know it or not it builds better work ethics and decision making. I happen to love wrestling and think that it teaches the best life lessons of any sport going.
Burning out your kid can come from many factors, type of kid you have, type of parent you are, type of coach you get, but with the world today being so competitive in everything from sports, the workplace to reality t.v. if you truly want to give your kid the best shot, start them as early as feels right for you and yours.