By Tyler Kohmetscher

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The study analyzed sport specialization and if it should be prevalent in early childhood.

 The purpose of this study was to determine if American youth should participate in one sport at a younger age (sport specialization), to further their skill in that sport for later in life. If so, at what age is ideal?

   Frequency of sports play?

Should you specialize?

Reasons for specialization?

 Total: 83  Male-39  Female-44  Class  Freshman-14  Sophomore-29  Junior-22  Senior-18

100% 90% 80% 30% 20% 10% 0% 70% 60% 50% 40%

1% zero 0% 88% 49% 33% 0% one 0% 17% 10% 2% two three Amount of Participation Per Week four 12 and under 13 and older

 Have you specialized in a sport?

 Yes-84%  No-16%

If yes, at what age?

6-8= 13% 9-11= 20% 12-14= 27% 15-17= 33% 18+= 7%

  A lot more sports participation after age 13 ~85% have specialized      Influenced by family and love of the sport ~80% played 1 sport in college Specialize to be successful? 63% NO No ideal age?

Limitations  CUNE only  NAIA vs Division 1

    Baker, J., Cobley, S., & Fraser-Thomas, J. (2009). What do we know about early sport specialization? Not much!. High Ability Studies, 20(1), 77-89. doi:10.1080/13598130902860507 Baker, J. (2003). Early Specialization in Youth Sport: a requirement for adult expertise?. High Ability Studies, 14(1), 85. doi:10.1080/13032000093526 Intensive Training and Sports Specialization in Young Athletes. (2000). Pediatrics, 106(1), 154.

Hecimovich, M. (2004). Sport Specialization in Youth: A Literature Review. Journal Of Chiropractic, 41(4), 32.