In youth sports, having rules and policies in place sets expectations and provides clear instructions and guidance for managing any problems should they arise. Our December 6th blog post covered the fundamentals of a sports safety plan and its crucial elements, including implementing …

With the warmer months behind us and winter break quickly approaching, so are youth sports off-season. This time of year brings celebration and a respite from organized sports - no games or regular practices- a crucial time to maintain off-season fitness. Research shows that athletes …

Creating a sports safety plan sounds intimidating, but it doesn't have to be! Let's break it down. Risk management or sports safety plans are controllable and preventative actions that coaches can take to help protect their athletes' well-being. As young athletes continue to specializ …

Words hold a lot of weight. As parents and coaches, the effects of our words on our children and athletes are abundantly clear. What we say has the power to heal, hurt, encourage, and criticize. We’ve all had that coach or fitness instructor whose “tough coach” approach didn’t land, o …

The Problem - No ATs means increased risk! As we well know, athletic trainers (ATs) are highly trained healthcare professionals who provide care for physically active people. Many ATs work with athletes on sports teams and their extensive education and training allow them to provide i …

We know that sports programs can do wonders to improve youth athlete’s physical and mental health, but would you be surprised to learn that the benefits extend even further? Participating in sports as a young person can also lead to academic and career success, economic impacts and in …

Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling confused or a bit overwhelmed? You maybe even forgot to ask about that ONE thing that you promised yourself you wouldn’t forget. You’re not alone! Studies show that 40-80% of the medical information patients give during their visit is …

This week is National Youth Sports Specialization Awareness Week! You might wonder, “What does that mean exactly and how does it affect me?” Early sports specialization is defined as “intense year-round training in a specific sport with the exclusion of other sports at a young age.” I …

Let’s talk about a Coach’s role in sports safety. Coaches support their athletes in much more than skill development, supervision and sportsmanship. With youth sports injuries at a record-breaking high, Coaches must work alongside team Athletic Trainers (ATs) to carry out the essentia …

Did you know that Athletic Trainers (ATs) are not only highly educated and trained medical professionals but that 70% of ATs also have a Master's Degree? As of 2022, a Masters is now the minimum entry point for becoming an AT. Athletic Trainers take care of injuries, prevent injuries, …

Organized sports have an enormous impact on young people’s lives. From physical benefits to mental, emotional and even academic, the positive outcomes are undeniable. Most of us think back on our time as a youth athlete fondly. We think of the lasting friendships we made, the confiden …

With National Concussion Awareness Day last week, healthcare professionals are spreading the word! Understanding the signs and symptoms of concussions is key to avoiding and helping to prevent further injuries. Another key is helmet safety. While concussions can’t guarantee concussion …