Player safety is becoming an increasingly vital aspect of youth sports. While an inherent level of aggression is built into the game of football, it can still be handled in a proper way to avoid unnecessary injuries. Helmet-to-helmet hits, unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness should be avoided at all costs. It can be quite easy for a young athlete to cross the boundary when his adrenaline is maxed out, but reason must still take precedent over instincts.
Coaches have a great responsibility with their young athletes when it comes to player safety. It’s a difficult thing to balance, especially considering the physical nature of football. However, best practices on the field are a very important part of the game. In-person discussions, whether it’s in the locker room or at practice, can be a great way to deliver this kind of message. Sports team websites can also be an effective way to teach a young athlete about the balance of aggression and intelligence.
Sports institutions across the country are already focusing on concussion protocol. Youth sports coaches would be wise to do the same.
NCAA releases concussion guidelines
CBS Sports reported that the NCAA has unveiled its guidelines for concussion safety. The new mandates limit college teams to two live contact practices per week. And while teams must still put these rules into effect, the immediate reactions were generally positive.
“I think for what it was intended to do, it addresses a lot of the gaps that existed that left college athletes at risk,” Chris Nowinski, an executive director of The Sports Legacy Institute, told the news outlet. “I think it was an impressive effort by a lot of people to put it together quickly with so many organizations involved. Now it needs to be monitored if it’s actually implemented and adopted by individual schools.”
Concussion policy a hot topic in Texas
Healthline reported that athletic trainers and legislators in Texas are focused on passing a new bill on concussion safety. The bill would have many different areas of focus, but perhaps the most important one would be the immediate removal of a player suspected of having a concussion.
“I think that increased awareness is reassuring people that their children will be better looked after,” Dr. Emily Schwartz, a sports medicine physician with the Facey Medical Group in Southern California, told the news outlet. “I have, however, seen an increase in parents asking questions about these issues in clinic, which is great.”
