Sport Specialization in Youth: A Literature Review

Objective: Youth participation in sport is reviewed to include its history, current growth patterns, reasons behind sport specialization, and the implications of sport specialization. The effects of early skill acquisi· tion, and the sociological, psychological, and physicaUphysiological aspects to help develop safeguards to meet the needs of young athletes are discussed. Study De ign a nd Selection: A review of the research and scholarly literature related to the youth population in the United States was performed. This included accessing the Mayo Clinic Library database, MANTIS, and Index Meclicus. Results a nd Discussion: Specialization in a single sport, although not new to society, has become increasingly popular. Sport specialization training can begin a early as at the age of 5 or 6. The training is throughout the year and may take up to four hours every day. Some in the sports community find sport specialization to be a reflection of a highly developed ociety and see the skill acquisition and enhancement as beneficial to success in a given sport; the potential for a collegiate athletic scholarship; or making a varsity, elite, or even professional-level team. Regular physical activity and sport, together with a balanced diet, are essential to promote optimal growth and matuI'ation, sufficient physical fitness and mental vigor, as well as psychological and social benefits that help in coping with stress and amOety. Too much or too specific involvement with a sport or activity, however, can be potentially dangerous, involving physiologi32. JACA ' Vol 41 • No 4 ' April 2004 callphysical. psychological, and sociological risks to youth. Despite the importance of this topic, a substantial reference base, pertaining specifically to sport specialization is lacking. The results were often limited to a nonspecific age range within the youth population primarily in the United States, as opposed to a worldwide population. Also, a majority of the references contained more physiological results, as opposed to psychological and sociological findings. The results and conclu ions drawn from this sampling cannot be generalized to all sports or athletes as a whole. Conclus ion: Sport specialization by youth is a contentious issue that needs to be fully under tood by all involved in sport. The potential health, psychological. and sociological risks must be weighed against the benefits of obtaining sharper skills, which may enhance playing time, possibly bringing scholar hip opportunities, or reaching to an elite level of play. Key Index ing Terms: sport specialization, sport