Organized Sports for Children and Teenagers

Organized sports participation for youth has been growing across the nation. Much of this is fueled by the excitement surrounding collegiate, professional, and Olympic sports competitions, as women and athletes of color are specifically being recognized. There is also increased motivation due to the potential for financial success if elite skill levels can be achieved early on. Primary care clinicians play a major role in children and teenager participation in organized sports by carrying out the sports physical visit and by being a source of support in times of injury. With this responsibility, clinicians need to be aware of the risks for overuse injuries and burnout and the disparities that exist for youth athletes from racial and ethnic minority communities. Sports specialization, parental involvement, and inequi- ties in access are all factors affecting youth organized sports participation. Clinicians can educate and maintain awareness of these elements as a part of their preventative medicine practice. [.