Participating in recreational or school-related sports is a good way for your child to stay fit and to make new friends. While it can be fun for your child to be a part of a team and to engage in healthy competition with others, it is important to be aware of the risks. Young athletes may push themselves too hard or disregard safety instructions, resulting in potentially serious personal injuries. Coaches, recreational staff, and school officials have a responsibility to protect your child, but it is up to parents to ensure the proper precautions are taken.
Raising Awareness About Youth Sports Injuries
The month of April is designated as National Youth Sports Safety Month. The month is sponsored by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, which offers numerous tools and resources for coaches and concerned parents.
Serious injuries can occur when young athletes are engaged in a wide variety of activities. This includes sports which require physical interactions with others, such as basketball, football, and soccer, as well as more individual pursuits, such as dance, swimming, or long distance running. The following are among the most common types of youth sports injuries:
- Overuse injuries, which can result in muscle or tendon strains and sprains;
- Broken bones and hairline fractures, caused by falls and interactions with others;
- Back and neck injuries, which can include damage to the spinal cord;
- Head injuries, which can cause a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI); and
- Heat-related injuries, which can result in severe dehydration and heat stroke.
All of the above have the potential to be disabling and potentially life-threatening for your child. Preventing these injuries should be a top priority for sports program administrators, coaches, and their staff.
Protecting Your Child Against Injuries
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2.5 million young people under the age of 19 visit hospital emergency rooms each year as the result of youth sports and recreational injuries. While the school or recreational facility is required to take the necessary precautions and to require that safety equipment be used, it is still important for parents to take an active role in protecting their child. Steps you can take include:
- Make sure all safety equipment is in good condition and used at all times during practice or play;
- Check surface materials where games and practices are held to ensure they are made of the proper materials and regularly maintained;
- Make sure young athletes are not exposed to the elements and have plenty of water available; and
- Insist that your child be removed from play the minute an injury is suspected.
Contact a San Jose Attorney Today
If your child suffers injuries while engaged in youth sports or recreational activities, the Jachimowicz Law Group can advise you on how to get compensation for the medical expenses and other costs you incur. Call our office at 408-550-1732 or contact our dedicated San Jose personal injury attorneys online and request a free consultation today.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/safechild/sports_injuries/index.html
https://www.stopsportsinjuries.org/STOP/Blog/Sports_Safety_Month.aspx
