Youth Sports Australian experts warn against early specialisation for young athletes

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has advised against pushing young athletes to specialise in a single sport too early, saying participation in different physical activities and play may lead to better long-term outcomes.

In a position statement released on Tuesday, the commission expanded on its 2019 guidance and said any decision to focus on one sport should be led by the child and take individual circumstances into account.

The ASC said early specialisation among young athletes had become increasingly common, despite evidence linking the practice to several potential negative outcomes.

The strongest evidence relates to overuse injuries and burnout, particularly when children undertake intensive repetitive training, compete throughout the year and have insufficient time to recover, the statement said.

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Early specialisation may also reduce enjoyment of sport, increase psychological stress and affect a young athlete’s quality of life.

The commission warned that these risks could be greater when specialisation begins at an early age, before a child is developmentally ready, or results from pressure imposed by parents, coaches or sporting structures.

However, the statement acknowledged that researchers had not established whether all negative outcomes resulted directly from specialising in one sport or from associated factors, such as excessive training, limited recovery and fewer opportunities to develop different skills.

The ASC also noted that some action sports, including skateboarding, BMX cycling and sport climbing, may present a different development pathway. Children can develop skills in these activities through play, exploration and self-directed practice, the statement said.

Australian Institute of Sport director Matti Clements said there was no single route to becoming a successful athlete.

“The appropriate timing and approach to sport specialisation will vary depending on the athlete, the sport and the environment in which development takes place,” Clements said.

The guidance highlights the importance of considering each child’s needs and development rather than assuming that intensive training in one sport from an early age is the best route to success.