Sports are a beloved pastime for many, but the physical nature of the activities can also make them dangerous. According to the CDC, there are an average of 283,000 U.S. emergency department visits per year for sports and recreation related TBIs (traumatic brain injuries). That number is just for children alone. Amongst American children and adolescents, sports and recreational activities contribute to more than 21 percent of all traumatic brain injuries in the U.S. So how can we reduce that number?Serious blows to the head are common in many of the most popular sports. We think of football, but many other sports are also associated with concussions and TBIs. Right behind football is basketball and soccer.
Trends in rates of ED visits for the three most common contact sports associated with nonfatal sports and recreation–related TBI among persons aged 5–17 years — National Electronic Injury Surveillance System–All Injury Program, United States, 2001–2018
Brain injuries, in particular, have become a major concern in recent years, especially in the NFL. We have all heard of “concussion protocols” by this point, if we watch sports or play in organized sports of any kind. From concussions to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the long-term effects of brain injuries can be devastating. So what are some steps we can take to cut down on the number of injuries that occur every year?
- Wear protective gear: Helmets, mouthguards, and other protective gear are designed to absorb impact and reduce the risk of injury. Make sure you’re wearing the appropriate gear for your sport. Don’t go “cheap” on buying the right helmets for you or your kids if they are playing youth sports. The cost of head injury is significantly more than any helmet you can buy.
- Learn the signs of a concussion: Do you know the most common signs of a concussion? You should! Symptoms include headache, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss. If you suspect a concussion may have occurred, go see a doctor or seek medical attention. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the brain.
- Practice proper technique: Using proper technique in sports can help reduce the risk of injury. Make sure you’re using the right form for your sport, and consider taking lessons or working with a coach to improve your technique.
- Take breaks: If you’re feeling tired or experiencing symptoms of a brain injury, take a break. Rest is essential for recovery and can help prevent further injury. Additionally, we are more prone to injury when we are over-exausted.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can lead to fatigue and increase the risk of injury. Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after a sports activity. It will also help you think clearer so you avoid more situations that put you in danger.
- Warm up and cool down: A proper warm-up and cool-down can help reduce the risk of injury. Take the time to stretch and prepare your body for the activity ahead.
- Avoid unnecessarily dangerous activities: Certain sports and activities carry a higher risk of brain injury. Be mindful of the risks and consider if the activity is worth it.
- Learn first aid: Knowing how to respond in the event of an injury can be the difference between a minor setback and a major one. Take a first aid course and be prepared.
- Be aware of your surroundings: This is a golden rule of life (especially in 2023!). Keep an eye out for potential hazards on the field or court. Being aware of your surroundings can help you avoid injury.
- Listen to your body: If you’re feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms of a brain injury, don’t ignore them. Your body is telling you something, so listen and take action.
What Can Coaches do to Prevent Brain Injuries?
Coaches play a critical role in preventing injuries in youth sports. If you are coaching kids of any age, you should be aware and highly knowledgeable about head injuries. This article on sports related head injury by neurosurgeon Khoi Than is worth a read. By taking the proper steps to help reduce the chance of injury. Here are several steps coaches can take to reduce the risk of injury in youth athletes:
- Ensure players have proper gear and equipment: Make sure that all players have the appropriate gear and equipment for the sport, such as helmets, shin guards, and mouth guards. Make sure the gear fit properly and is in good condition.
- Teach proper technique: Make sure players understand and use proper technique for the sport. This will help reduce the risk of injury and improve performance.
- Encourage players to warm up and cool down: Make sure players take the time to properly warm up and cool down before and after practices and games. This will help prevent injury and improve performance.
- Monitor player fatigue: Be aware of players who may be showing signs of fatigue, such as stumbling or slurred speech, and encourage them to rest.
- Promote hydration: Make sure players are properly hydrated before, during, and after practices and games.
- Encourage players to speak up if they’re injured: We aren’t living in the stone age anymore, so no, do not tell players to “tough it out!”. Encourage players to speak up if they’re injured or if they’re experiencing pain or discomfort. Help them understand that it’s important to take care of injuries, no matter how small.
- Set a good example: Lead by example and follow safety guidelines and rules.
- Limit overuse: Avoid overusing players by keeping practices at a moderate length and intensity, and avoiding playing the same players for consecutive games
- Educate yourself: Make sure you are aware of the latest safety guidelines, research and best practices in youth sports.
By following these steps, coaches can help reduce the risk of injury in youth athletes and ensure that they have a positive and safe experience in sports. Of course, there is no way to completely eliminate it. But by being smarter and educated, we can reduce the number of injuries among athletes.
