Since my column on the prevention of heat stroke in football practice ran two weeks ago, I have received several calls and emails requesting more information about safety tips in youth football. In response, this column is written to raise the level of consciousness and to educate coaches, players and parents about the importance of injury prevention in young play
According to the PIAA, August 16th is the 1st day of full uniform and contact football practice sessions in Pennsylvania. Several parents have urged me to write a column on the prevention of heatstroke. I feel it is a critical issue and worthy topic to repeat regularly to raise the level of consciousness and prevent injury or death.
This is the second of two columns intended raise the level of consciousness and to educate coaches, players and parents about the importance of injury prevention. While most high school programs have certified athletic trainers on staff, I am more concerned with the youth football programs.
This column will focus on “Prevention of Football Injuries” in an attempt to raise the level of consciousness and to educate coaches, players and parents about the importance of injury prevention. While most high school programs have certified athletic trainers on staff, I am more concerned with the youth football programs.
Soon summer will be here. It is that time of year when kids begin playing summer sports and attending summer sports camps. It is also a time when injury rates are high due to extreme temperatures, poor conditioning, and poor hydration. One concern I have always had was the fact that well-intended coaches did not always have the information or staff to have an effective plan to prevent or manage injuries.
Hamstring strains are very common in football, both American and European. Each fall, as the season begins, many players suffer from pain in the back of their thigh when they pull or strain the hamstring muscle. New research shows that these injuries can be prevented by following a specifically designed intensive training program.
Concussions occur when a person’s brain is violently rocked back and forth inside of the skull because of a blow to the head or neck. Severe concussion, although rare, can lead to brain swelling, blood vessel damage, and even death. There are serious repercussions of early return following even a mild concussion due to the long term effects of multiple mild concussions.
