Many high schoolers dream of playing sports, which offer many benefits—including physical activity, socialization, and an opportunity to learn about winning and losing gracefully. However, many parents are rightfully concerned about the rate and severity of injuries associated with sports like football and baseball. If you have a child that has suffered an injury while playing a sport in high school, contact our experienced Kansas City personal injury attorney for a free legal consultation, today.
Most Common High School Sports Injuries
Few athletes walk across the stage at graduation without having experienced some type of injury during their academic career. Every sport, from gymnastics to swimming, carries a certain degree of risk. Contact sports, however, have a higher rate of injury. According to data from a recent National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study, the three most dangerous sports based on injury rates are football, girls’ soccer, and boys’ ice hockey.
Common sports injuries include:
- Concussions and other brain injuries
- Overuse injuries
- Heat-related injuries
- Acute injuries, such as a sprains, strains, tears, or broken bones
- Growth plate injuries (those that occur on the developing ends of long bones)
- Spinal cord injuries
Players can easily suffer an injury in practice or during a competitive game. Causes range from improper nutrition and hydration to forceful impacts. Every sport carries unique risks. For instance, sports that require practice during warm months carry a higher risk for heat-related incidents. Gymnasts and cheerleaders, on the other hand, often experience a higher risk of sprains and strains from improperly warming up.
The Prevalence of Football Player Fatalities
As far as deadly sports go, football consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous. In late 2015, alone, six students died from football-related injuries. Some experience head trauma, while others may have undiagnosed pre-existing conditions that heat and activity exacerbate. In 2014, 11 students died, and 18 died in 2013. The sport is not deadlier than it once was, but the high rate of risk is changing the way parents and coaches train and students play.
Avoiding High School Injuries
Luckily, parents do not necessarily need to keep their kids in a bubble during high school. With the proper precautions, the risk of long-term injury is minimal. Here are some of the ways many health experts encourage health and safety:
Concussion Sensors
Several school sports departments are investing in helmet sensors that can detect the level of impact a wearer experiences. Solutions often transmit data to a cellphone application so parents and coaches can monitor the risk of concussion and make adjustments to reduce the likelihood of trauma.
Encouraging a Proper Warm-Up
A warm-up can reduce the risk of sprains and strain injuries. To effectively warm up, lead students through some light cardio to warm up the muscles. Then do some light stretching before practice.
Enforcing Appropriate Gear Rules
Safety gear was invented for a reason. All students should wear the recommended equipment during scrimmages and games. Replace gear as needed to maintain security standards.
Eat and Hydrate
Some people can exercise and go all day without eating a full meal, and others will collapse if they attempt the same. Encourage children and teens to eat properly and drink plenty of water before playing.
Coaches should not encourage students to play through the pain. This is the body’s way of telling us something is wrong. Take your child for a pre-season physical, and then see a physician as needed for sports-related injuries. A minor incident can turn into a bigger one if not properly addressed.
Have You Been Injured in Kansas City, Missouri? You Should Speak With an Experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer
If you've been injured in the Kansas City area you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 816.832.4688 to schedule your free consultation. We are proud to serve Kansas City, Missouri, and the surrounding area and look forward to speaking with you.