TRAINING FOR ATHLETIC COMPETITIONS OR CHI LD-ABUSE

Child abuse exists when the transitional period between childhood and adolescence is not recognized, when appropriate means for detecting th is period are not used, and when physiologic protection is not provide d. This form of abuse can manifest as failure to preserve normal 24-ho ur rhythms, failure to allow enough time for activities other than tra ining for competitions, and/or failure to allow enough time for rest, The disorders in physical growth and delayed puberty that sometimes re sult from abusive training can lead to unfair exclusion of the child f rom competitions. In addition, children are not exempt from sports-rel ated injuries, and alterations in body image can have serious conseque nces.