Growth and Maturation

• As student athletes grow and develop, they go through many changes, physically, hormonally and mentally. Their bodies become taller, stronger and change shape. Hormones begin to shift, and their perception and belief systems develop too. This natural process is called maturation. 

• Young athletes can be at greater risk of injury during periods of rapid physical growth. At MSA, we measure our student athletes each term, allowing us to monitor their growth and identify when they may be experiencing periods of rapid growth. 

• This information is communicated to our student athletes, parents, sport and strength coaches, rehabilitation and wellbeing staff, so we can all work together to support MSA athletes through these periods and appropriately manage their training. 

• Parents and student athletes can also help reduce injury risk during periods of growth by supporting adequate sleep, fuelling, recovery and mobility within their schedule.  Additional information is in the Recovery and Load Management areas.