THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF EARLY SELECTION ON CHILDREN IN WRESTLING

Abstract

Early talent selection in wrestling, though often necessary for high-performance development, poses
significant psychological risks when not tailored to children’s emotional and maturational stages. This
study investigates the mental and emotional consequences of early selection practices, especially in athletes aged 6 to 10. Drawing from self-determination theory and the Developmental Model of Sport Participation, the paper highlights how rigid, performance-based selection can lead to stress, anxiety, identity foreclosure, and sport dropout—particularly among early-maturing girls. Case studies from ACS Pătru Academy and CS Petrolul Ploiești illustrate the real-world impact of early puberty, with findings
emphasizing the importance of psychological readiness, gender-sensitive coaching, and biological-age informed criteria. The paper proposes a child-centered, ethically grounded approach to selection,
integrating physical assessments with emotional monitoring and parental guidance. Recommendations
include avoiding labeling, adjusting expectations based on pubertal timing, and promoting long-term
engagement over short-term success. Ultimately, early selection should serve not as a filter for exclusion,
but as a structured opportunity to support each child’s holistic development in sport.