Intensive training and sports specialization in young athletes. American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness.

Sports Specialization and Intensive Training in Young Athletes.

Sports specialization is becoming the norm in youth sports for a variety of reasons. When sports specialization occurs too early, detrimental effects may occur, both physically and psychologically. If the timing is correct and sports specialization is performed under the correct conditions, the athlete may be successful in reaching specific goals. Young athletes who train intensively, whether s...

Promotion of healthy weight-control practices in young athletes. American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness.

Children and adolescents are often involved in sports in which weight loss or weight gain is perceived as an advantage. This policy statement describes unhealthy weight-control practices that may be harmful to the health and/or performance of athletes. Healthy methods of weight loss and weight gain are discussed, and physicians are given resources and recommendations that can be used to counsel...

Cardiac dysrhythmias and sports. American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness.

Overuse injuries, overtraining, and burnout in child and adolescent athletes.

Overuse is one of the most common etiologic factors that lead to injuries in the pediatric and adolescent athlete. As more children are becoming involved in organized and recreational athletics, the incidence of overuse injuries is increasing. Many children are participating in sports year-round and sometimes on multiple teams simultaneously. This overtraining can lead to burnout, which may hav...

American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness. Fitness, activity, and sports participation in the preschool child.