Question

Risks for Children Who Specialize Too Early; How to Set Age-Specific Time Limits

Answer 1

Many children are risking injuries, even lifelong health problems, because they practice too intensively in a single sport, and parents should set limits on their participation, according to a leading organization of athletic trainers. Early specialization can also exact a psychological toll, increasing the risk that children and adolescents will burn out and quit sports altogether, the trainers’ group said.

Delay specializing in a single sport for as long as possible. To support general fitness and reduce injuries, “adolescent and young athletes should strive to participate, or sample, a variety of sports,” N.A.T.A. said.

One team at a time. Youngsters should participate in only one organized sport per season.

Youngsters should not play a single sport more than eight months per year. Breaks in training give overstressed tissues time to recover, evidence suggests.

They should not take part in organized sports activities for more hours per week than their age. For example: “A 12-year-old athlete should not participate in more than 12 hours per week of organized sport.”

Young athletes should take a minimum of two days off per week from organized training and competition for rest and recovery. They should not participate in other team sports or training on those days.

Youngsters should spend time away from organized sport and activity at the end of each competitive season. The breaks will allow for physical and mental recovery, and will minimize injuries and burnout, the trainers’ group said.