ABSTRACT
Participation in organized sports provides an opportunity for young people to increase their physical activity and develop physical and social skills. However, when the demands and expectations of organized sports exceed the maturation and readiness of the participant, the positive aspects of participation can be negated. The nature of parental or adult involvement can also influence the degree to which participation in organized sports is a positive experience for preadolescents. This updates a previous policy statement on athletics for preadolescents and incorporates guidelines for sports participation for preschool children. Recommendations are offered on how pediatricians can help determine a child's readiness to participate, how risks can be minimized, and how child-oriented goals can be maximized.
Subject(s)
Child Development/physiology , Pediatrics/organization & administration , Physician's Role , Sports/education , Sports/physiology , Age Factors , Child , Child, Preschool , Guidelines as Topic , Humans , Motor Skills/physiology , Pediatrics/standards , Physical Education and Training/methods , Physical Education and Training/organization & administration , Physical Fitness/physiology , SocializationABSTRACT
Pediatricians are often asked to give advice on the safety and efficacy of strength training programs for children and adolescents. This review, a revision of a previous American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement, defines relevant terminology and provides current information on risks and benefits of strength training for children and adolescents.
