Blog
Recapping InjureFree’s White Paper
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 …
Need an Athletic Trainer? Here's What you Need to Know
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, …
Creating Awareness Around Abuse and Misconduct Reporting
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 …
A Look Back: How Football Safety Has Evolved Over the Decades
Football, a sport loved by millions worldwide, has undergone significant changes in terms of player safety over the decades. From leather helmets to cutting-edge technology, the evolution of football safety is a fascinating journey worth exploring. The Early Years: Limited Protection
Helmet Safety - Anatomy of a Properly Fitting Football Helmet
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 …
How Youth Football is Leading the Way in Safety
Youth football has come a long way in recent years, with a renewed focus on safety. Parents and coaches alike have been concerned about the risks associated with the sport, particularly head injuries. However, the implementation of strict safety protocols, better equipment, and improv …
Expanding the Athlete Care Circle - Lifting Up Athletic Trainers
Athletic trainers (ATs) are essential to athletes' safety and physical health, but they do so much more than meets the eye! ATs provide emergency care and injury prevention, but also comforting peace of mind to sideline parents. Every sports parent can relate to the sigh of relief the …
Five Shocking Stats about Mental Health in American Youth Football
Youth football, an institution in its own right, teaches countless young athletes’ teamwork, discipline, resilience, and focus. But the contact sport also comes with its own challenges and concerns, especially regarding the mental well-being of its participants. As the conversation ar …
Supporting Youth Athlete's Mental Health - The Benefits of a Simple Check-In
Participating in sports can be one of the best activities for young people. It leads to many incredible outcomes not just now but later in life, too! Alongside the endless physical benefits of participating in sports, it's also a major factor in promoting positive mental health. As pa …
Ensuring Young Athlete Safety in the Face of Extreme Heat
In the realm of sports and physical activities, young athletes' safety and well-being are paramount. As concerns escalate regarding the impact of extreme heat and poor air quality on these individuals, it becomes crucial to address these challenges comprehensively. In this article, we …
The Impact of Coaches' Words - Recognizing Harmful Behavior in Youth Sports
Sport is a beautiful thing that the world has embraced as one of life's greatest teaching tools. However, we must understand that sport (as in life) troubling things can and do happen Research tells us that it can occur in organized youth sports. Coaches play a significant role in ath …
Ensuring Athlete Well-being: InjureFree's Commitment to Sports Safety
Sports have always been integral to human culture, offering a platform for physical activity, competition, and camaraderie. At InjureFree, we hold a profound and unwavering commitment to sports safety, recognizing its pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of athletes and participant …
How to Use Sports Research to Inform Safety Initiatives
There are a myriad of benefits to documenting athlete data. Not only does documentation help avoid future incidents and provides detailed athlete information for future reference and allow volunteer coaches and ATs to make more informed decisions regarding athlete care. In 2019, South …
Ensuring Athlete Safety: The Importance of Sports Concussion Protocols
In the fast-paced world of sports, where exhilaration and competition reign supreme, it's easy to overlook the potential dangers that athletes face, especially regarding head injuries and concussions. These traumatic brain injuries can have severe consequences if not handled properly. …
Youth Sports Concussion Protocols - What’s Changed?
With youth football season right around the corner, it’s a great time to start thinking about concussion safety. Each year in the United States, football consistently yields the highest incidence of concussions across all levels of play. Of these sustained concussions, about half go u …
Why Parents Must Prioritize Heart Checks Before Children Resume Sports After Summer Break
Parents and children are getting ready for the new school year as the summer break ends. Many young athletes are eager to return to their favorite sports and activities after a fun-filled summer. While it's essential to encourage physical activity and sports participation, parents mus …
Wrapping Up Summer Break? 4 Tips for Safe Return to Sports
As August continues to warm up, athletes are also warming up in eager anticipation of returning to fall sports. While some athletes can participate in sports year-round, others may take the summer off and enjoy a well-deserved rest period. As coaches, trainers and parents, it’s import …
Be the Lifeline: AED Training for Life-Saving Skills
When it comes to emergencies, every second counts. Being prepared to respond promptly and effectively at home, work, or in a public place can make all the difference between life and death. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a critical tool in such situations. This amazing d …
Volunteer Coach Compliance: Advantages of Centralized Health and Safety Compliance
Volunteer coach compliance is paramount to sports safety and athlete well-being. Volunteer coach compliance requirements differ among organizations but typically include training, education, and screening necessary for a youth coach via background checks. In theory, it might seem like …
How to Prioritize Return to Learn After an Injury in Sports
Suffering an injury in sports can be a setback for student-athletes, both physically and academically. Returning to learning after such an injury requires careful planning and consideration to ensure a successful transition. This article aims to provide guidance on how to prioritize r …