The Characteristics of Competitive Youth Sport and Different Health Risks
The aim of this article is to present some characteristics of the competitive youth sport and to point out some negative aspects that represent possible health hazards to children and adolescents participating in this sport. The results of studies as well as sport praxis show that talent recognition is a complex and demanding process. Nowadays, making predictions about competitive performance in adulthood on the basis of results achieved in childhood or in early adolescence is still highly unreliable. The results also show that early involvement in a specialized process of sports training (e.g. sport schools) is not a guarantee for sport successfulness later in adulthood. Quite the contrary, early specialization in childhood suppresses long-term athletic development of children and endangers their health. The models based on postponed specialization, long-term and systematic work with youth and with humane pedagogical approach are those that lead towards athletes’ successful development and creativity in sport. On the basis of a systematic approach to this topic, some concrete suggestions can be made and some procedures for practical operation and the improvement of this important segment of sport in Slovenia can be recommended: Children participating in sport should not undergo too demanding specialized sports training oriented only to one sport; young athletes can be trained only by educated coaches with necessary skills and strong character; young athletes should have regular medical check-ups done by qualified paediatricians; coaches, members of club boards and national sports associations as well as parents and young athletes should be educated on regular basis.