by Karyn Maier, Managing Editor

It’s almost become the standard in youth sports today for children to select a single sport from an early age and stick to it throughout their school years. Some experts believe that this kind of specialization denies kids the opportunity to develop a broad range of skills. Others feel that specializing leads to more repetitive injuries. Still more are convinced that early specialization is a prescription for early burnout from youth sports altogether. The question remains—should kids specialize in one sport or play the field?

Frank Smoll, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Washington and co-author of "Sports and Your Child," validates these concerns. Further, he asserts that the idea that kids should be steered toward a particular sport at an early age based on demonstrating an aptitude for it is inappropriate. It could even be harmful.

One of the biggest problems with early specialization, according to Smoll, is the potential for setting the child up for disappointment that may prevent him or her from trying new things for fear of failure. According to Smoll, young children physically mature and acquire fine motor skills at different rates. Late bloomers who have been directed toward a specific sport at an early age are more prone to falling short of expectations.

There’s no doubt that playing only one sport is easier on parents and families. Time constraints become more intense as the years go by, especially as kids progress from recreational leagues to select programs. In addition, many youth sports programs are now active year-round, rather than being limited to a single season. Between racing from multi-practices and games, not to mention tending to academic studies and various other school-related activities, it’s not hard to imagine why many parents may prefer that their child adhere to a single sport. Of course, there’s another motivation behind this trend for some parents: the hope of a college scholarship.

While the debate continues, perhaps the more appropriate question to ponder is when a child should consider specializing in one sport. On this note, Smoll advises that parents should offer guidance, but allow their children to be part of the decision process.

We have a few additional suggestions to help both parents and children see the bigger picture on this issue:

>> Don’t place too much emphasis on athletic performance and winning in the early years. Skill and social development are the most valuable and lasting rewards.

>> Avoid putting pressure on your child to obtain a college scholarship. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, less than 2% of youth athletes continue to play in college, let alone get their tuition paid for. In fact, only one in 58 athletes get any scholarship funds at all.

>>&nb sp;Try to wait until the high school years before specializing in one sport to ensure the opportunity to become well rounded in athletics in general and get the most from the experiences learned. 

>> If your son or daughter initiates a desire to specialize, encourage an honest discussion of what will be gained by doing so at that point in time, as well as what might be lost.

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