By Tyler Kohmetscher

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

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), doi: / Baker, J. (2003). Early Specialization in Youth Sport: a requirement for adult expertise?. High Ability Studies, 14(1), 85. doi: / 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.