GROWING WITH SPORTS: A Parent's Guide to the Young Athlete

Dr. Vandeweghe is an avid sports booster--in medical school he played for the Knicks--and his total program for youngsters includes the latest phys ed practices as well as principles derived from his pediatrics office. Kids interested in pick-up games or recreational swim don't need his elaborate trainingand-conditioning exercises and even committed athletes will find his suggestions time-consuming, but those intent on making the first string from the Little League on up can benefit from his advice on practice sessions, nutrition, injuries, etc. Not that his advice is consistently dependable. He endorses milk without reservation (""There is never any reason to eliminate milk from an athlete's diet"") and relies too frequently on slippery comments from a number of pros. But he wisely warns about resuming play after head injuries, protecting knees (the most vulnerable joints), and pitching more than one inning (under age twelve), and he provides the reasons for his rules. Dr. Vandeweghe generously welcomes parental involvement; his text aims directly at those who stake out the grandstand and follow up at home. He's not a fanatic from the Lombardi school but he knows the value of winning and commends the coach who provides at least one such opportunity for each child. Another plus: girls receive encouraging words if not equal time. A bit excessive--even tedious--in places (Galen was ""probably the first 'team physician'"") but otherwise acceptable