Author(s): George Antoun and David Hack

Abstract:
The purpose of this review of literature was to examine the recent findings regarding the role that parental pressure and influence plays in the sport specialization process and to make literature based, practical recommendations to young athletes, parents, and trainers and coaches. Findings revealed that parents had significant influence on young athletes and many engaged in actions such as hiring sport specific coaches and trainers in hopes of increasing their child’s chances of playing at higher levels, furthermore specialization at a young age can increase likelihood of fatigue, burnout, and sport based repetitive injuries. As a result of the findings, we make the following recommendations: 1) Coaches and administrators should educate parents and guardians of realistic likelihood of their young athlete’s ascension to the highest levels of sport 2) Physicians and trainers should council on the repetitive injury risks of sport specialization and carefully and systematically monitor athletes who are highly specialized 3) Coaches and administrators should be properly educated and when possible credentialed through licensing bodies in order to make them aware of the inherent risks and potential negatives associated with youth sport specialization.

Pages: 108-110  |  820 Views  123 Downloads

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