Maturity Assessment: A Viable Preventive Measure Against Physical and Psychological Insult to the Young Athlete?

In brief: Maturity assessment is often cited as an important part of the preparticipation health examination (PHE) for student-athletes. However, maturity assessment apparently is not routinely included in the PHE in most states. This literature review indicates the value of maturity assessment as a way to reduce the risk of physical and psychological insult to young athletes. Maturity assessment can be used to match adolescents for participation in contact sports and to determine when a youth is experiencing the growth spurt, which may make him or her more susceptible to injury. Accordingly, maturity assessment should be included in the PHE, and schools and community organizations should develop procedures for requesting and using maturity information.