A heated debate erupted during the recent government meeting regarding a proposed measure aimed at regulating training hours for youth athletes in Puerto Rico. While the intention behind the measure is to safeguard the well-being of young sports participants, critics argue it could hinder their development.

The proposal seeks to limit training sessions for children aged 5 to 11 to a maximum of one and a half hours per session and four hours per week. For youths aged 12 to 17, the cap is set at two hours daily and six hours weekly. However, opponents of the measure, including several representatives, voiced strong concerns about its one-size-fits-all approach.

One representative highlighted the financial burden families face in youth sports, noting that participation in tournaments can exceed $400 in a single weekend. Yet, they emphasized that while addressing the commercialization of youth sports is crucial, imposing strict training limits without consulting experts is misguided. "Who was consulted here? Where is the Olympic committee? Where are the sports federations?" they questioned, pointing out the lack of public hearings on such a significant issue.

The representative further illustrated the complexities of various sports, explaining that training sessions in disciplines like equestrianism and gymnastics often require more time than the proposed limits allow. They argued that imposing uniform caps fails to consider the unique needs of each sport and the developmental differences between younger and older athletes.

As the discussion continues, the future of this measure remains uncertain, with advocates for youth sports calling for a more nuanced approach that respects the diverse requirements of different athletic disciplines. The outcome of this debate could significantly impact the landscape of youth sports in Puerto Rico.