Each third week of October, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association hosts Youth Sport Specialization Awareness Week to help reduce the risk of injury related to sport specialization and keep athletes safe and healthy. Research on young athletes and specializing on one sport for long periods of time have shown the following:
- Sports specialization at an early age has been associated with an increased risk of burnout and injury.
- Research shows that waiting to specialize as long as possible and playing multiple sports during childhood is linked to more elite achievement and lower injury risk across most sports.
- Ensuring young athletes have the skills, strength, training and confidence to enjoy healthy levels of physical activity is critical.
- Establishing interdisciplinary and overarching guidelines to address specialization by healthcare providers and governing organizations remains a vital component.
“When athletes specialize too early, or engage in excessive play, they are increasing the probability of injury and reducing the chances of achieving their goals,” said NATA President, Kathy Dieringer, EdD, LAT, ATC. “We want to help athletes and parents recognize health is a competitive advantage.”
What You Can Do as a Parent
Join the National Athletic Trainers' Association, Team USA Rower Sophia Vitas and a panel of interdisciplinary health care and medical experts, moderated by NATA President Kathy Dieringer, EdD, LAT, ATC, during a live event that will address the latest trends and guidelines specific to youth sport specialization from both a personal and professional perspective.
The webinar will take place Thursday Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 12:00 noon Central Time.
If you are a member of the media and would like to participate, please register here.
The public is also invited to attend on FACEBOOK.
Panelists include:
Michele LaBotz, MD, medical director, Athletic Training Program, University of New England, Biddeford, Maine; clinical assistant professor, Department of Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Medicine TrueSport Expert Advisory Panel Member, board of directors member, Maine Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics
Eric Post, PhD, ATC, manager, Sports Medicine Research Laboratory, United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee; former program director, Master’s in Athletic Training Program, Indiana State University and faculty member, San Diego State University
Tamara Valovich McLeod, PhD, ATC, FNATA, chair, Department of Athletic Training, professor of Athletic Training, research professor in the School of Osteopathic Medicine; John P. Wood, DO, endowed chair, Sports Medicine, A.T. Still University (Mesa, Arizona)
Sophia Vitas, US Women’s Rowing National Team Member, Paris 2024 Olympics; TrueSport Athlete Ambassador; 2016 graduate, University of Wisconsin with a degree in Nutrition Sciences; and multi-sport athlete including high school basketball, soccer, track & field, and cross country
Gregory Walker MD, primary care sports medicine physician, Sports Medicine Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado; Assistant Professor University of Colorado Department of Orthopedic Surgery.
The general public can visit At Your Own Risk's Facebook page to attend and ask questions.
CONTACT
Robin Waxenberg
Robin Waxenberg & Associates
917-301-1350
robin@robwax.com
For more information on reducing risk from sport specialization visit www.atyourownrisk.org
About NATA: National Athletic Trainers’ Association – Health Care for Life & Sport
Athletic trainers are health care professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and sport-related illnesses. They prevent and treat chronic musculoskeletal injuries from sports, physical and occupational activity, and provide immediate care for acute injuries. Athletic trainers offer a continuum of care that is unparalleled in health care. The National Athletic Trainers' Association represents and supports 40,000 members of the athletic training profession. Visit nata.org for more information.
About At Your Own Risk:
The mission of At Your Own Risk is to educate, provide resources and equip the public to act and advocate for safety in work, life and sport. Developed by NATA in 2016, the At Your Own Risk campaign is a way of showing employers, workers, legislators, school administrators, parents, and student athletes the value of athletic trainers within the health care team. By employing an athletic trainer, you provide a safer approach to work, life, and sport.
Other Resources:
Youth Sport Specialization Recommendation Handout - This handout was previously endorsed by the Professional Football Athletic Trainers’ Society, Professional Hockey Athletic Training Society, Professional Soccer Athletic Trainers’ Society, National Basketball Athletic Trainers’ Association, Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers’ Society and the NATA Intercollegiate Council for Sports Medicine.