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Newswise – (Indianapolis, IN) – Protecting children participating in youth sports is at the center of a bold new policy agenda introduced by the National Youth Sports Health & Safety Institute (NYSHSI), a joint initiative of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Sanford Health. As a leader in promoting and disseminating the latest research and evidence-based education, the institute has built the program on seven pillars of athlete health and safety.
“Protecting children is paramount in youth sports,” said William O. Roberts, MD, FACSM, past president of CMHA and chairman of the board of directors of NYSHSI. “I’m not just talking about sports injuries. It is to protect them emotionally, mentally and physically, including abuse of any kind.
About 70% of 13-17 year olds participate in sports each year. For young athletes, regular participation offers multiple benefits for physical and mental health, as well as a chance to learn about discipline, commitment, goal setting and achievement, work in the field. team and fair play. The benefits may even extend to academic success.
Unfortunately, when you exercise long enough, hard enough and often enough, the risk of injury is a reality. Following the rules, using the right gear and proper protective gear, and learning the right technique all help to minimize the risk of injury. Adequate sleep, nutrition and hydration also contribute to peak performance and athlete safety. Every young athlete, regardless of their level, should be able to play any sport in a safe environment.
A poll conducted by ACSM showed that 91% of Americans believe that participation in sport is important for children and teens, but 94% believe more needs to be done to ensure the health and safety of young athletes. These concerns are fueled by reports of heat-related illnesses, concussions, undiagnosed heart problems and other issues affecting athletes of all ages.
“As a pediatric athletic physician and mother of three involved in sport, I fully support this political agenda,” said Anastasia Fischer, MD, FACSM, president-elect of ACSM. “It takes a holistic view that aims to ensure that my children and countless others have the best and most rewarding experience when competing in youth sports.”
In order to provide a safe environment for all young athletes, ACSM and NYSHSI believe that every state should take steps to protect athletes while participating in sports. Several fundamental principles need to be taken into account in any policy or legislation, and the Youth Sport Policy agenda focuses on seven critical areas of athlete health:
- Pre-participation assessment (PPE)
- Heat acclimatization
- Concussion
- Performance enhancing drugs (PED)
- Protecting young people from abuse
- Coach training
- Injury management
“The seven areas outlined in our policy agenda create the framework for real change,” said Nate Blessen, executive director of the system, Sanford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. “This political program emphasizes the importance of the safety and general well-being of our young athletes.”
See the full policy agenda and details of the seven areas of interest on the NYSHSI Advocacy page at http://nyshsi.org/advocacy/.
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About the National Youth Sports Health & Safety Institute
NYSHSI is dedicated to being the recognized leader and advocate for the advancement and dissemination of the latest research and evidence-based education, recommendations and policies to improve experience, development, health and safety of our young people in sport. NYSHSI encourages a deliberate early introduction of various healthy and fun functional movements and activities, as a catalyst to develop a critical foundation, capacity and enthusiasm for sustainable physical activity (athletic and otherwise) during childhood, adolescence and beyond. www.nyshsi.org
American College of Sports Medicine
CMHA is the world’s largest sports medicine and exercise science organization with over 50,000 international, national and regional members and certified fitness professionals. All of them are dedicated to the advancement and integration of scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine. More details at www.acsm.org.
About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, one of the largest healthcare systems in the United States, is dedicated to the integrated delivery of healthcare, genomic medicine, senior care and services, global clinics, research and insurance affordable. Based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization includes 46 hospitals, 1,500 physicians and more than 200 Good Samaritan Society senior care centers in 26 states and 10 countries. Learn more about Sanford Health’s transformative work to improve the human condition at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.
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