Research Impact: The recent publication of research on the development of youth track and field athletes offered an ideal opportunity to compare the reality of athlete development to coach and parent perceptions of athlete development. Coaches and parents were found to hold contrasting perceptions of optimal youth development activities in track and field athletics. Educational initiatives should focus on the relationship between youth and adult success, the role of relative development in youth success and communicating the rationale underpinning healthy youth sport practices. However, research should also focus on developing a more detailed understanding of healthy youth sport practices to provide more nuanced guidance to practitioners.
Kearney, P.E., Comyns, T.M. and Hayes, P.R., 2020. Coaches and parents hold contrasting perceptions of optimal youth development activities in track and field athletics. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, p.1747954119900052. DOI: 10.1177/1747954119900052
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