Multi-sport youth athletes benefit more than one sport-athletes

For decades, youth sports programs, coaches and parents pushed the idea of specialization for participants, thinking focusing on one sport would increase chances of collegiate recruitment and future professional opportunities.

Well, times they are a changin’, according to an article in the Youth Sports Business Report.

Key takeaways from data researched by the Michigan High School Athletic Association shows that:

* 45 percent of high school student-athletes now participate in multiple sports, showing an increase from 43 percent in 2017-2018.

* Multisport participation reduces burnout and overuse injuries while strengthening overall athletics programs.

* Cross-training benefits include improved hand-eye coordination, speed development and enhanced team collaboration skills.

* Small schools particularly benefit from multisport athletes who help fill rosters across different programs.

* Financial considerations remain a challenge for families supporting multisport participation.

The survey of more than 68,000 athletes shows a distribution pattern of 55 percent participating in just one sport, 32 percent in two sports and 13 percent in three or more sports. While specialization still represents the majority, the percentage of multisport participants continues to grow.

This suggests the need for more cross-training equipment, multisport facility development and more training since coaches might be with more than one sport in a year.

Athletics directors are beginning to realize the importance of creating collaborative environments where coaches support each other’s programs rather than the competitive dynamics that can exist between different programs.

Smaller schools thrive particularly with multisport participation because the programs can maximize limited resources by encouraging athletes to play multiple sports, creating stronger overall programs despite smaller budgets. One small school athletics director noted in the article that “the true brotherhood” culture shines when athletes support each other across different sports.

I have written for years about the benefits of non-specialization in youth sports because it can foster burnout and overuse injuries. Research continues to show fewer overuse injuries because athletes use different muscle groups and movement patterns throughout the year. Youth sports development programs increasingly emphasize how skills learned in one sport enhance performance in others.

The primary challenge for parents supporting their kids playing multiple sports is the cost. However, the practice creates new youth sport sponsorship opportunities. Companies can support full athletics programs rather than single-sport initiatives, perhaps reaching a wider audience. Investment firms are increasingly recognizing that facilities and programs supporting multiple sports may offer revenue streams and community impact.

Competing in multiple sports teaches life lessons, some of which that aren’t possible in single-sport participation. Athletes can learn to adapt to different coaching styles (different bosses’ styles), how to work with diverse teammate groups (co-workers) and how to address challenges.

Competing in more than one sport requires time management skills, benefiting academic performance. Kids learn to prioritize, manage schedules and develop self-discipline. Schools with multisport programs report higher GPAs among athletes.

The International Olympic Committee and other governing bodies recommend multisport participation through at least the age of 16. My own grandson played baseball in his early years, and basketball and football until the age of 15. He now concentrates solely on his first love, football. He also was encouraged to participate in track which he did until the spring of his senior year.

Parents will be even busier with their kids playing more than one sport. But it will be beneficial in the long run.

Nancy Justis is a partner with Justis Creative Communications and the founder of Iowa Youth Sports Initiative. Contact her at najustis120150@gmail.com