Age-adjusted training and competition volumes have not been well studied in many youth sports. Nonetheless, youth sports leagues have instituted rules designed to prevent injury and promote age-appropriate levels of competition.47,54 USA youth baseball has tried to utilize evidence for youth baseball leagues to guide age-adjusted pitch counts.47 Unfortunately, there are data to suggest that these guidelines are not followed by many coaches, with the majority reporting additional pitching instruction or camps.24 In addition, pitch count may be difficult to monitor when pitchers participate on multiple teams over the
Degree of Specialization Risk of Injury Risk of Serious Overuse Injury Risk of Acute Injury
Low specialization (0 or 1 of the following): Year-round training (>8 months per year) Chooses a single main sport Quit all sports to focus on 1 sport
Low Low Moderate
Moderately specialized (2 of the following): Year-round training (>8 months per year) Chooses a single main sport Quit all sports to focus on 1 sport
Moderate Moderate Low
Highly specialized (3/3 of the following): Year round training (>8 months per year) Chooses a single main sport Quit all sports to focus on 1 sport