Youth Sports Health and Safety Articles

Program Safety
Head injuries (concussions, repetitive head impacts (RHI), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (modeled on Six Pillars concussion risk management program)
  • Education (coaches, parents, athletes, officials, health care providers)
  • Risk reduction (properly fitted helmet, "heads up" tackling, limiting RHI, rules enforcement, etc.)
  • Identification (sideline screening, honest concussion symptom self-reporting, buddy system etc.)
  • Diagnosis and management
  • Return to Learn and Return to Play
  • Retirement

Index of Articles About Head Injury Safety

 

Academic Accommodations

​After Concussion: Returning To Class With Academic Accommodations Sometimes Needed (video)

Concussions: Parents Are Critical Participants in Recognition, Treatment, Recovery

Return to Class After Concussion: Different for Every Student (article)

Return to Class After Concussion: Different For Every Student (video)​​​

Academic Accommodations After Concussion:

Neuropsychologists Play Important Role​​​​

Post-Concussion Strategies for the Classroom

More Post-Concussion Help For Students In The Classroom Needed​

Recovering From Concussion: Teachers Play Important Role​

 

Amantadine

​Concussion Therapies: Amantadine Shows Potential in Treating Post-Concussion Syndrome

Unmarked Detour: Amantadine and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy Helped Recovery From Post-Concussion Syndrome (video)

 

Amnesia

Concussions: Post-Traumatic Amnesia May Indicate More Severe Injury, Longer Recovery   ​

 

​Assessment ​

        - on the field

Spinal Cord Injuries in Sports: Prevention, Treatment, and Transport Guidelines

         - sideline

Balance Error Scoring System: Important Tool in Assessing Concussion

Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 3 ​​​

Standardized Assessment of Concussion: A Valuable Tool for Sideline Evaluation

King-Devick: New Screening Tool May Dramatically Improve Concussion Detection Rate on Sports Sideline

​Concussion Signs and Symptoms

 

Athletic Trainers

Athletic Trainer Plays Critical And Unique Role in Concussion Safety

Athletic Trainers: Every High School Should Have One

Athletic Health Care Teams: Many Component Parts

Athletic Trainers, Doctors Assess, Manage Most Concussions in High School Sports

Athletic Trainer Team Doctor Should Make Return-to-Play Decision After Concussion (video)

 

Balance​

Balance Error Scoring System: Important Tool in Assessing Concussion  ​

 

Cognitive rest

After Concussion: Physical and Mental Rest Keys to Recovery

Why Cognitive and Physical Rest After Concussion? (video)

Cognitive Rest After Concussion Critical To Avoiding Extended Recovery (video)

 

Coma

Glasgow Coma Scale Used In Evaluating Level of Consciousness, Not Concussion Severity  ​​​​​

 

Concussion  

       - alternative therapies for

“Functional Medicine”: Treatment Options For Concussions or Trauma (video)

        - aerobic exercise after

Unmarked Detour: Mild Aerobic Exercise Helped Recovery From Post-Concussion Syndrome (video)

        - applications, mobile/smartphone

Concussion Apps: Some Worth Downloading, Some Not So Much

        - assessment, on field/initial neurological

Spinal Cord Injuries in Sports: Prevention, Treatment, and Transport Guidelines

        - assessment, sideline

Balance Error Scoring System: Important Tool in Assessing Concussion

Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2​

Standardized Assessment of Concussion: A Valuable Tool for Sideline Evaluation

King-Devick: New Screening Tool May Dramatically Improve Concussion Detection Rate on Sports Sideline

Tools for Sideline Assessment of Concussion (video)

        - athletic trainer's role

Athletic Trainer Plays Critical And Unique Role in Concussion Safety​​

Athletic Trainers: Every High School Should Have One​​

Athletic Health Care Teams: Many Component Parts​​

Athletic Trainers, Doctors Assess, Manage Most Concussions in High School Sports​​

Athletic Trainer Or Team Doctor Should Make Return-to-Play Decision After Concussion (video)

         - baseline neurocognitive testing​ for

Baseline Neuropsychological Tests: Getting Valid Results Poses Challenge

Baseline Concussion Testing Products: Caution Urged In Purchase Decision

Baseline Concussion Testing: Why Sandbagging Is A Bad Idea (video)

         - cognitive rest, need for​

​After Concussion: Physical and Mental Rest Keys to Recovery

Cognitive Rest After Concussion Critical To Avoiding Extended Recovery

       - computerized neurocognitive testing for

Computerized Neurocognitive Baseline Concussion Testing At Home: Why I'm Against It

Baseline Concussion Testing Products: Caution Urged In Purchase Decision

       - definition

Each Concussion Is Different, But All Share Four Common Characteristics​​

​​​Should Concussion Be Called Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Instead?

       - depression, after

Concussions Linked to Depression

Depression Common Where Concussion Recovery Prolonged (video)

      - dizziness 

Dizziness At Time of Concussion Linked To Increased Risk of Longer Recovery

Unmarked Detour: Amantadine and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy Helped Recovery From Post-Concussion Syndrome (video)

       - driving, after

Impact of Concussion On Teen's Ability to Drive Often Overlooked

       - education​​, need for

Concussion Education For High School Soccer Players Lacking, Survey Finds

Concussion Knowledge of Primary Care Doctors Falls Short, Study Says

       - effects of

Concussion Reduces Blood Flow To Brain Which Often Lasts More Than 30 Days​​

Concussions Linked to Depression

Effects of Concussion May Last for Years, Studies Find​​

Effects of Concussion: Subtle Yet Prolonged For Those With Multiple Concussion History

Long-Term Consequences of Repetitive Brain Trauma: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy​​

Multiple Concussion History Linked to Continuing Symptoms​​

Cumulative Effects of Concussion: How Many Is Too Many

        - evaluation and management of

Concussion Evaluation and Management: An Overview (video)

      - forces causing

Concussions: No Direct Blow to Head or Specific Impact Magnitude Required​​

        - grading scales, abandonment of

Concussion Grading Scales Abandoned​​

       - laws​​, state

Strong Concussion Laws In Place In Most States

       - management of

Concussion Evaluation and Management: An Overview (video)

Concussion Evaluation and Management Involves Many Factors

       - modifying factors in treatment and management of

Concussion Evaluation and Management Involves Many Factors

      - mouth guards, role in preventing

Mouth Guards and Concussions: The Continuing Controversy

        multiple

Multiple Concussions: Important Factor In Management

Effects of Concussion: Subtle Yet Prolonged For Those With Multiple Concussion History

Multiple Concussion History Linked to Continuing Symptoms​​

      - myths about

Sports Concussions Myths and Misconceptions​​

       - neurocognitive testing for

Neurocognitive Testing Lead To Increased Concussion Awareness

       - neuropsychologist, role​ in management of

Academic Accommodations After Concussion: Neuropsychologists Play Important Role

Neuropsychologist: Important Member of Concussion Care Team (article)

Neuropsychologist: Important Member of Concussion Care Team (video)

       - parent, role in recognition, treatment for, recovery from

Concussions: Parents Are Critical Participants in Recognition, Treatment, Recovery​

Concussions: Parents Need To Be Pro-Active, Says Guskiewicz (video)

 

        - post-concussion syndrome

Post-Concussion Syndrome: When Symptoms Persist 

Post-Concussion Syndrome: Potential Therapies (video)

Concussion Therapies: Amantadine Shows Potential in Treating Post-Concussion Syndrome

Craniosacral Therapy May Help Lesson Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome​​ (video)

The Unmarked Detour: One Family's Journey Through Post-Concussion Syndrome

The Unmarked Detour: A Family's Journey Through Post-Concussion Syndrome (video)​​​

Treating Post-Concussion Syndrome: No Cookie-Cutter Answers (video)

Post-Concussion Syndrome: New Treatments Offer Hope (video)

Concussion Recovery: Craniosacral Therapy and Feldenkrais Method May Help (video)

Unmarked Detour: Mild Aerobic Exercise Helped Recovery From Post-Concussion Syndrome (video)

Post-Concussion Syndrome: New Treatments Offer Hope 

          - pre-participation physical evaluations, importance for

Pre-Participation Physical Evaluations (PPEs): A Primer for Parents​

       - proper tackling, as way of reducing risk of

Proper Tackling Reduces Risk of Catastrophic Injury Says Ex-Pro

      - protective equipment, role in reducing risk of

Buyer Beware (Part 1): Claims That Equipment Can Prevent Concussions Too Good To Be True

Buyer Beware (Part Two): NFHS Has NOT Endorsed Use of Football Helmet Covers As Reducing Concussion Risk

      - rates

Concussion Statistics in High School Sports

      - recovery from 

Concussion Recovery Starts With Both Physical and Cognitive Rest

Concussion Recovery: Craniosacral Therapy and Feldenkrais Method May Help

Unmarked Detour: Early In Concussion Recovery Pain Killers Helped For Headaches And Sleep

Unmarked Detour: Amantadine and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy Helped Recovery From Post-Concussion Syndrome

Concussions: Prompt Reporting, Proper Management Keys To Full Recovery

       - reducing risk of

Steps Athletes Can Take To Reduce Concussion Risk (video)

Proper Tackling Reduces Risk of Catastrophic Injury Says Ex-Pro

      - rest after

After Concussion: Physical and Mental Rest Keys to Recovery

Cognitive Rest After Concussion Critical To Avoiding Extended Recovery

Read more: http://www.momsteam.com/cognitive-rest/cognitive-rest-after-concussion-critical-avoiding-extended-recovery#ixzz2OlCmsbrR

      - retirement after​

Retiring After Concussions: Athlete's Level of Play, Realistic Long-Term Goals Are Factors (video)

Retiring From Sports After Concussion: No Magic Number

​​​​​​Quitting Contact or Collision Sport After Concussion: Tough On Family, Not Just Athlete

Cumulative Effects of Concussion: How Many Is Too Many?

      - return to play, after

Factors in Return To Play Decision After Concussion (video)

Gradual Return to Play After Concussions Recommended

Athletic Trainer Or Team Doctor Should Make Return-to-Play Decision After Concussion (video)

After Concussion: Return To Play Is Step By Step Process (video)

      - risk factors for prolonged recovery from

Risk Factors for Concussion and Prolonged Recovery

       - signs and symptoms

Concussion Signs and Symptoms​

Glasgow Coma Scale Used In Evaluating Level of Consciousness, Not Concussion Severity​

Vast Majority of Concussions Do Not Involve Loss of Consciousness​

Concussions: Post-Traumatic Amnesia May Indicate More Severe Injury, Longer Recovery​

Concussions in High School Sports: Few Report Loss of Consciousness​

       - statistics about

Concussion Statistics for High School Sports

       - teacher's role

Recovering from Concussion: Teachers Play Important Role​

        - total brain trauma, limiting​

Limiting Full-Contact Practices in High School Football: The Time to Act is Now!

       - traumatic brain injury, as form of

​​​Should Concussion Be Called Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Instead?

      - treatment for and management of

Concussion Evaluation and Management Involves Many Factors

Unmarked Detour: Early In Concussion Recovery Pain Killers Helped For Headaches And Sleep (video)

Cognitive Rest After Concussion Critical To Avoiding Extended Recovery (video)

“Functional Medicine”: Treatment Options For Concussions or Trauma

       - under-reporting of

Chronic Under-Reporting of Concussion: Is Changing the Culture a Realistic Solution?

​​​Honest Self-Reporting Of Concussion Symptoms Critical

Underreporting of Concussions: Is Monitoring Head Impact Exposure A Way Around The Problem?​​​​​​​​​​

       - vestibular therapy, as treatment for

Unmarked Detour: Amantadine and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy Helped Recovery From Post-Concussion Syndrome

Computerized neurocognitive testing

Computerized Neurocognitive Testing: Important Role in Concussion Evaluation, Return To Play Decision

Young Athletes' Self-Assessment Of Concussion Recovery Unreliable Measure Of Return To Play Readiness, Study Finds

Computerized Neurocognitive Baseline Concussion Testing At Home: Why I'm Against It

Baseline Concussion Testing Products: Caution Urged In Purchase Decision

Baseline Concussion Testing: Why Sandbagging Is A Bad Idea (video)

Craniosacral therapy

Craniosacral Therapy May Help Lesson Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome

Emergency Action Plan

First National Action Plan For Sports Safety Issued

Sports Injury and Prevention Requires Team Approach, Says NATA

When Is Immediate Hospitalization After Concussion Required? 

Mobile concussion applications

Concussion Apps: Some Worth Downloading, Some Not So Much

King-Devick test

King-Devick: New Screening Tool May Dramatically Improve Concussion Detection Rate on Sports Sideline​

King-Devick Test Effective Sideline Concussion Screening Tool, New Study Finds​

New Study Confirms Value of King-Devick Test in Sideline Assessment of Concussion​

King-Devick Test Promises More Rapid, Reliable Sideline Screening for Concussions​

Rest - Cognitive 

Study First To Prove Benefit Of Cognitive and Physical Rest In Concussion Recovery

After Concussion: Physical and Mental Rest Keys to Recovery​

Neck strengthening

Stronger Necks May Reduce Concussion Risk: Study​​​

Neck Strengthening Exercises To Reduce Concussion Risk

Neurocognitive testing

Baseline Neuropsychological Tests: Getting Valid Results Poses Challenge

Computerized Neurocognitive Testing: Important Role in Concussion Evaluation, Return To Play Decision

Pencil and Paper Neuropsychological Testing for Concussions: Valuable But Come with Limitations

Are Concussed Athletes Being Returned To Play While Still Cognitively Impaired?

Post-concussion syndrome

Post-Concussion Syndrome: When Symptoms Persist

Post-Concussion Syndrome: Potential Therapies

Concussion Therapies: Amantadine Shows Potential in Treating Post-Concussion Syndrome

Craniosacral Therapy May Help Lesson Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome

The Unmarked Detour: One Family's Journey Through Post-Concussion Syndrome

Pre-participation physical evaluations

Pre-Participation Physical Evaluations (PPEs): A Primer for Parents

Reporting concussions

Reporting Concussion Signs and Symptoms: Be Honest, Be Smart (video)

Retirement

Retiring From Sports After Concussion: No Magic Number

Retiring After Concussions: Athlete's Level of Play, Realistic Long-Term Goals Are Factors (video)

Quitting Contact or Collision Sport After Concussion: Tough On Family, Not Just Athlete

Return to Play

Are Concussed Athletes Being Returned To Play While Still Cognitively Impaired?

Gradual Return to Play After Concussions Recommended

Factors in Return To Play Decision After Concussion (video)

Athletic Trainer Or Team Doctor Should Make Return-to-Play Decision After Concussion

Young Athletes' Self-Assessment Of Concussion Recovery Unreliable Measure Of Return To Play Readiness, Study Finds

Spinal cord injuries

Spinal Cord Injuries in Sports: Prevention, Treatment, and Transport Guidelines

Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 3 (SCAT3)

Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 3

Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC)

Standardized Assessment of Concussion: A Valuable Tool for Sideline Evaluation

Total brain trauma, limiting

Limiting Full-Contact Practices in High School Football: The Time to Act is Now!

Traumatic brain injury

Concussion Signs Requiring Immediate Hospitalization​

Concussions: Parents Need To Be Pro-Active, Says Guskiewicz (video)

Under-reporting of concussions

Reporting Concussion Signs and Symptoms: Be Honest, Be Smart (video)

Chronic Under-Reporting Of Concussion: Is Changing The Culture A Realistic Solution?

Program Governance
  • Financial controls and transparency 
  • Corporate governance (e.g. term limits, board training)
  • Coach selection, training, and evaluation
  • Implementing best health and safety practices (e.g. SmartTeam™)
  • Communicating among and between parents, players, coaches, administrators, officials, and health care professionals.
Nutrition
  • Sports nutrition basics
  • Pre-sports nutrition
  • Snacks/meals
  • Recovery diet
  • Sport-specific nutritional guidelines (football, soccer, etc.)
  • Nutrition for the injured athlete
  • Disordered eating/female athlete triad
  • Concession stands
Hydration & Heat Illness
  • Sports hydration basics
  • Heat safety (heat acclimatization, emergency preparedness, treatment, exertional sickling)
  • Energy drinks
  • Sports drinks 
Cardiac Safety (Sudden Cardiac Death)
  • Pre-participation physical exam (PPEs)(family history/EKG/echo)
  • Chain of survival (first-aid, CPR, AEDs etc.)
Emergency Preparedness
  • Emergency Action Plan
  • First-Aid
  • EMS
Abuse
  • Emotional/psychological (bullying, hazing, verbal abuse by coaches, parents etc.)
  • Physical (overuse injuries; playing hurt etc.)
  • Sexual (abuse/harassment, background checks, two-adult rule etc.)
Eye Injuries
  • Prevention (goggles, face shields)
  • First-aid treatment
Dental Injuries
  • Prevention (e.g. mouth guards)
  • First-aid treatment
Skin (MRSA)
  • Prevention
  • First-aid treatment
Orthopedic injuries
  • Prevention (e.g. overuse injuries, neuromuscular training, strength and conditioning)
  • Treatment (e.g. first-aid, physical therapy, return to play)
Performance-enhancing drugs
  • Education
  • Prevention
Respiratory (asthma, indoor/outdoor air pollution)
  • Prevention
  • Treatment
Strength & Conditioning
 
Resistance training (neck strengthening for contact and collision sports, etc.)
Neuromuscular training (e.g. ACL injury reduction)