As there are sometimes threads on this topic (got this of the Supertraining newsgroup):
From
https://www.nsca-lift.org/HotTopic/d...t%20Topics.pdf
Misconception: Resistance training will stunt the growth of children.
Fact: Current observations indicate no evidence of a decrease in
stature in children who regularly perform resistance exercise in a
controlled environment (14). Furthermore, a growth plate fracture has
not been reported in any youth resistance training study. If
appropriate exercise guidelines are followed, regular participation
in weight-bearing physical activities, such as resistance exercise,
will likely have a favorable influence on bone growth and development
during childhood and adolescence (28)……
Misconception: Youth resistance training is unsafe.
Fact: With appropriate supervision and instruction, the risks
associated with youth resistance training are not greater than other
activities in which children and adolescents regularly participate
(17). The key is to provide qualified supervision, age-specific
instruction and a safe training environment in order to reduce the
risk of an accident.
Misconception: Children cannot increase strength because they do not
have enough testosterone.
Fact: Testosterone is not essential for achieving strength gains.
This is evidenced by women and elderly individuals who experience
impressive strength gains without high levels of testosterone. When
training-induced strength gains are compared on a relative or percent
basis, improvements in children are comparable to adolescents and
adults (25).
Misconception: The sport of weightlifting is inappropriate for
children
Fact: In the sport of weightlifting, athletes attempt to lift maximal
amounts of weight when performing the clean and jerk and snatch.
Current findings suggest that youth can successfully
perform these lifts and benefit from participating in this sport
provided that the focus remains on proper form and technique and
appropriate weights are used in practice and competition (5,11,17).
Children and adolescents who want to participant in weightlifting
should be encouraged to do so under the qualified supervision of a
youth weightlifting coach……..
