Dear Editor: The Journal of Athletic Training recently published an article by Bell et al, 1 who described a Delphi approach to develop a consensus-based definition of youth sport specialization. Here, we examine the utility of their proposal. The central criterion of a scientific statement is empirical falsifiability. 2 Definitions of constructs must rest on defined terms and categories, 3 and variables must be empirically measurable based on unambiguous operational definitions. Otherwise, statements may be "mere opinion"3 and a matter of faith rather than science.2,3
© Copyright 2021 Journal of Athletic Training. National Athletic Trainers' Association. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.