Sanford Health and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) have partnered to create the research-based National Youth Sports and Health Safety Institute.
More youths are participating in sports then ever before, and the incidence of injuries is rising despite advances in injury prevention research. A recent poll shows 91% of U.S. adults feel sports participation is important for children and adolescents, but 94% think there is a need for greater efforts in injury prevention among youth athletes. These concerns have been fueled by reports of overuse and overload and injury risk and other issues affecting athletes of all ages.
The institute will focus initially on four key areas; mild traumatic brain injury and concussion; heat illness and injury; overuse and overload and injury risk; and certain conditions in youth athletic populations that can raise injury risk, such as type 1 diabetes, eating disorders, and sickle cell trait.
“There is no question our young people need to be active, and participating in youth sports is an important component to that activity. However, too many of these young athletes are doing too much, too fast, some even suffering serious, life-threatening and life-altering injuries. This new institute will support youth athletics while also creating guidelines to protect their health and safety,” said Michael F. Bergeron, PhD, executive director of the new institute.
The institute’s website, www.nyshsi.org, will provide information, links, and evidence-based resources for youth athletes, medical professionals, and others involved in youth sports.
This is an exciting partnership and opportunity to make a positive impact in safe youth sports participation.