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The Costs and Benefits of Early Sport Specialization: A Critical Review of Literature

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Costs and Benefits of Early Sport Specialization: A Critical Review of Literature
Language: English
Authors: Waldron, Shelby, DeFreese, J. D., Register-Mihalik, Johna, Pietrosimone, Brian, Barczak, Nikki
Source: Quest. 2020 72(1):1-18.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 18
Publication Date: 2020
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Athletics, Specialization, Higher Education, Performance, Risk, Mental Health, Physical Health, Ethics, Research Methodology, Burnout, Well Being, Youth, Self Determination, Motivation, Psychological Patterns, Injuries, Physical Activity Level, Persistence
DOI: 10.1080/00336297.2019.1580205
ISSN: 0033-6297
Abstract: There is a growing trend toward specialization in American youth sport, evident in the number of elite youth competitions and position statements from major medical organizations. Despite growing interest on this topic for kinesiology professionals within higher education, there is a dearth in research regarding the relationship between specialization and athlete health outcomes, especially psychosocial outcomes. This critical review describes specialization theory and the limited extant research on the costs and benefits of single-sport specialization. Topics include: (a) the proposed benefits of specialization from the performance perspective; (b) early specialization and alternative sport participation pathways; (c) the posited psychosocial and physical health risks of sport specialization; (d) ethical concerns; and (e) methodological issues and recommendations for future research. Deeper understanding of the costs and benefits of sport specialization has significant practical implications for youth athletes' performance and well-being and for other relevant stakeholders in the youth sport system.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2020
Accession Number: EJ1243867
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:There is a growing trend toward specialization in American youth sport, evident in the number of elite youth competitions and position statements from major medical organizations. Despite growing interest on this topic for kinesiology professionals within higher education, there is a dearth in research regarding the relationship between specialization and athlete health outcomes, especially psychosocial outcomes. This critical review describes specialization theory and the limited extant research on the costs and benefits of single-sport specialization. Topics include: (a) the proposed benefits of specialization from the performance perspective; (b) early specialization and alternative sport participation pathways; (c) the posited psychosocial and physical health risks of sport specialization; (d) ethical concerns; and (e) methodological issues and recommendations for future research. Deeper understanding of the costs and benefits of sport specialization has significant practical implications for youth athletes' performance and well-being and for other relevant stakeholders in the youth sport system.
ISSN:0033-6297
DOI:10.1080/00336297.2019.1580205