Concussions in Youth Sports
If you have been around youth sports for any amount of time, you know just how common concussions are. Participating in most sports increases the exposure to a head injury, either by colliding with a hard object, or another player. Concussions happen, and they are not to be taken lightly.
Many are under the impression that tackle football is the biggest culprit when it comes to concussions in sports, but did you know that according to Wikipedia, women’s hockey has more than double the incident rate? The truth is, even when safety precautions are in place, any sport can be dangerous when it comes to head trauma in young players.
Organized sports aren't without risk, oftentimes it's part of the game. The danger of concussions is very real, especially in young brains that are still growing and developing. However, this isn’t just a problem in youth sports, concussions can also be a big concern at the professional level. Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins has had 4 reported concussions in a period of 6 years! The brain is a sensitive organ, and if mistreated, permanent damage can be imminent.
Has your child taken a hit to the head? Look for any of the following signs, and then seek assistance from a medical expert:
- headache
- dizziness
- feeling sick or throwing up
- difficulty with coordination or balance
- blurred vision
- slurred speech or saying things that don't make sense
- feeling confused and dazed
- difficulty concentrating, thinking, or making decisions
- trouble remembering things
- feeling sleepy
- having trouble falling asleep
- sleeping more or less than usual
- feeling anxious or irritable for no apparent reason
- feeling sad or more emotional than usual
What To Do If Your Child Is Diagnosed With A Concussion
- First of all, do not panic! Concussions come in all sizes, and only a medical professional can confirm how severe it is.
- Have them stop playing immediately. The coach should remove him or her from the field, court, or rink right away, as a second hit to the head may lead to worse issues down the road.
- After preliminary testing, in which a coach or trainer may have the player perform a few simple actions to measure if there indeed is a concussion, seek medical guidance.
- Rest! If the Dr. puts your kiddo on the disabled list for a few games, then so be it. As tough as that is for many kids to understand, it is very important that they adhere to doctor's orders!This is definitely easier said than done, as many kids will become upset at the thought of having to sit out. Older kids may even avoid communicating that they were hurt at all. Stay on alert. If you suspect any head injury may have taken place, be sure to take them to be checked out by a physician.
With so many benefits to kids sports, how do parents deal with this potential side effect? Part of our job is to help our kids get through these difficult times. Trying to get their minds off of it is best. A great way to do that is to keep them somewhat active, and occupied.
These suggestions may help:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Crafts
- Cooking or baking
- Playing billiards
- Board Games
- Reading
Youth sports has many gains, but also a few risks. Practice safety measures to avoid injury whenever possible. In the event that there is any type of hit to the head, look for the corresponding symptoms, and then make your way to the doctor right away. Don’t let a concussion ruin your child’s game. Play hard, have fun, and stay healthy!
Barbara is the mom behind the blog, Modern Sports Mom. She began writing a craft and lifestyle blog in 2012. As life evolved, and her boys became more involved in sports, she aimed to create a site that would resonate with moms like her, and in 2017 Modern Sports Mom was born. A baseball and football mom, she is fueled by her strong faith, dedication to her family, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee! Barbara lives in beautiful Southern California with her husband, kids, dog, and cat.
