Which of the following statements is true regarding practice duration in interscholastic athletics?

The assertion that practice duration should maximize athlete engagement within limits is true because maintaining high levels of engagement is crucial for effective learning and skill development. In interscholastic athletics, athletes are still developing their understanding of the sport and their physical capabilities. Ensuring practices are engaging helps maintain motivation and reduces the risk of burnout. Additionally, maximizing engagement often leads to better retention of skills and strategies being taught, allowing for more effective practice sessions.

As for the other options, practices that seldom exceed 1 hour may not provide enough time for skill acquisition and conditioning, while allowing up to 5 hours could lead to diminishing returns in performance due to fatigue. The inclusion of a warm-up is important but not strictly a requirement for every practice, depending on the context and specific needs of the athletes. Thus, focusing on engagement optimally aligns with the goals of an effective training regimen.