Date of Award
Fall 2025
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Kinesiology and Sport Management
First Advisor
Dr. Hyung Suk Yang
Second Advisor
Dr. Jessie Daw
Third Advisor
Kelly Knutson
Keywords
Sports Specialization, Youth, Development, Athletes
Subject Categories
Sports Sciences | Sports Studies
Abstract
To this date, there has been a rise in the professionalism of youth sports, which has increased the competitiveness and likelihood of early specialization in young athletes. While this allows youth athletes to have recognition at a young age, many athletes experience negative effects that inhibit their ability to make it to the elite level at a later age. Sports specialization can be defined as the participation and/or training of one sport year-round, typically excluding participation in all other sports. Current research suggests that sports specialization can contribute to injury and musculoskeletal disorders, impact motor skills and coordination, and cause burnout in young athletes. Increased competitiveness in youth sports has also limited participation in sports due to cost and comparison of athletic abilities between young athletes. Complications may be harmful to the development of youth athletes and cause early withdrawal from sports, which limits future athletic success. This literature review serves to recognize the impacts early sports specialization has on youth development, focusing on three main aspects: musculoskeletal, neurological, and psychological. It also discusses recommendations to protect youth athletes and encourage children to participate in numerous sports throughout development.
Recommended Citation
Allen, Madison M., "THE IMPACTS OF SPORTS SPECIALIZATION ON YOUTH DEVELOPMENT" (2025). Honors Thesis. 404.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/404