With young athletes returning to playing fields in time for preseason practice, now is the time to ensure parents, coaches, administrators and others are well educated on injury prevention to ensure safe and successful seasons. With nearly 7 million high school students participating in sports today, there are a reported 715,000 high school sports-related injuries experienced each year, and 8,000 children are treated in emergency rooms each day for sports-related injuries.1
According to a National Council of Youth Sports 2008 survey, over 40 million young athletes ages 6-18 participate in organized youth sport activities. Recognizing this trend of participation, and to reduce the risk of injury, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) offers a number of suggestions to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
“It is so important that young athletes are physically and mentally prepared for the start of the sports season, said Brian Robinson, ATC, chair of NATA’s secondary school committee. “Educating parents and school personnel about ways to help children avoid common sports-related injuries is a top priority. And, nothing is more frustrating to the athlete, his or her team and family, than for an avoidable injury to occur and sideline him or her from play.”
