Protecting Your Young Athlete This Fall
It’s that time of year again. The fields are filling up, kids are pulling on jerseys, and parents are packing folding chairs in the trunk. The fall sports season is just around the corner. Whether your kid is involved in football, soccer, cheer, or another activity, it’s an exciting time but also a season when injuries happen.
Youth sports are usually exactly what they should be — fun, challenging, and full of lessons. But no matter the sport, the potential for injuries is always there. Sometimes, it’s a twisted ankle or a pulled muscle. Other times, it’s more serious, and that’s when parents need to know what to watch for.
Concussions get a lot of attention these days, and for good reason. Kids’ brains are still developing, and a concussion can change how a child thinks, learns, or behaves. The right response makes all the difference. If your child takes a hit to the head, they should immediately come out of the game. They also need a proper medical evaluation, not just a coach’s say-so. Most leagues and schools are required to follow concussion protocols, including return-to-play steps. But those protocols aren’t always followed the way they should be.
Concussions aren’t the only concern, though. Some preventable injuries happen because of clear oversights: a poorly maintained field, a coach who lets kids “walk it off” when they need rest, or practices that don’t follow safety guidelines. Overuse injuries are also a growing issue, especially in kids who play one sport year-round.
If your gut tells you something isn’t right, trust it. Kids may not speak up for themselves, and when injuries happen because adults fail to do their job, families deserve answers. We’ve worked with parents in situations like this. If you ever have questions about whether your child’s injury could have been prevented or whether proper care was given after the fact, give us a call. We’re here to help you figure out the next step.