Systematic physical activity is a necessary element of normal development of a young human body. From early childhood, people should participate in sports and recreational activities involving movement. However, organised and systematic learning of a given form of motor activity (physical training), particularly participation in sport competitions, may result in development of certain abnormalities connected with excessive physical and mental load of a young body, including injuries. In recent years, athletes begin specialised training for their sport at increasingly younger ages. This may be due, in part, to increasing pressure from adults (trainers, parents or teachers) on young people to achieve results in sports. The current recommendations involve the revised and updated position of the Polish Society of Sports Medicine (PSSM) concerning age criteria when qualifying for training and competitions in selected sport disciplines, previously presented in the sports medical textbook `Medycyna Sportowa` from 2005, considering current knowledge of the issue. The main aim of this study is to promote participation in systematic motor activity among children and youth, including organised training and competitions, with maximal safety and health protection assurance. This consensus agreement is based on experts' opinions and growing perception of increasing dangers for participation in competitive sports by children and youth. Evidence-based data concern anatomy, physiology and psychology of children and adolescents.
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