FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2024
April is National Youth Sports Safety Month
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - April is a busy month for youth to enjoy sports, which is why April is observed to bring much-needed awareness to sports injuries and physical trauma experienced by our youth. Youth Sports Safety Month is the perfect time to bring awareness to the track meets, ball games, and playing fields at schools and throughout our communities.
More than a million kids are rushed to the emergency room for sports-related injuries every year, and 90% of students admitted to suffering injuries while playing a sport. Most of these injuries can take a serious turn, and while no one can admit to being casual on the field, many participants miss out on some serious precautions that can minimize injuries.
5 important tips for coaches, parents, and kids:
- Before playing organized sports, make sure young athletes receive a pre-participation physical exam (PPE) by a doctor. This can help rule out any potential medical conditions that may place kids at risk.
- Bring a water bottle to practice and games. Encourage children to stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after play.
- Stretching before practice and games can make a big difference by releasing muscle tension and helping prevent sports-related injuries, such as muscle tears or sprains. Make sure there is time set aside before every practice and game for athletes to warm up properly.
- An off-season is important, too. It is recommended that kids get 10 consecutive weeks of rest from any one sport every year. Playing different sports throughout the year is OK.
- Coaches should be certified in first aid and CPR, learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion, and help avoid overuse injury by resting players during practices and games.
Websites
April Is National Youth Sports Safety Month (hsi.com)
NATIONAL YOUTH SPORTS SAFETY MONTH (nationaltoday.com)
Media Contact
Jonathan Williams
Battalion Chief
Charlottesville Fire Department
williamsj@charlottesville.gov
(434) 970-3247