Upwards of 7 million sports-related injuries occur each year in the United States. That said, chances are high that most of us have sustained a sports-related injury in our lifetime and have likely experienced anxiety upon reintroduction to activity. At age 20, I injured my ankle play …

The Problem - No ATs means increased risk! As we well know, athletic trainers (ATs) are highly trained healthcare professionals who provide care for physically active people. Many ATs work with athletes on sports teams and their extensive education and training allow them to provide i …

We know that sports programs can do wonders to improve youth athlete’s physical and mental health, but would you be surprised to learn that the benefits extend even further? Participating in sports as a young person can also lead to academic and career success, economic impacts and in …

Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling confused or a bit overwhelmed? You maybe even forgot to ask about that ONE thing that you promised yourself you wouldn’t forget. You’re not alone! Studies show that 40-80% of the medical information patients give during their visit is …

Youth sports play a crucial role in shaping the characters and lives of millions of kids globally. At InjureFree, we realize that every child deserves a nurturing, positive, and safe environment, so we have devoted ourselves to eradicating bullying, abuse, harassment, and discriminati …

This week is National Youth Sports Specialization Awareness Week! You might wonder, “What does that mean exactly and how does it affect me?” Early sports specialization is defined as “intense year-round training in a specific sport with the exclusion of other sports at a young age.” I …

Mental health issues in young athletes are a growing concern. This blog post explores the vital significance of recognizing and addressing these issues to ensure the well-being and success of our youth in sports.

Let’s talk about a Coach’s role in sports safety. Coaches support their athletes in much more than skill development, supervision and sportsmanship. With youth sports injuries at a record-breaking high, Coaches must work alongside team Athletic Trainers (ATs) to carry out the essentia …

Did you know that Athletic Trainers (ATs) are not only highly educated and trained medical professionals but that 70% of ATs also have a Master's Degree? As of 2022, a Masters is now the minimum entry point for becoming an AT. Athletic Trainers take care of injuries, prevent injuries, …

Organized sports have an enormous impact on young people’s lives. From physical benefits to mental, emotional and even academic, the positive outcomes are undeniable. Most of us think back on our time as a youth athlete fondly. We think of the lasting friendships we made, the confiden …

Football, a sport loved by millions worldwide, has undergone significant changes in terms of player safety over the decades. From leather helmets to cutting-edge technology, the evolution of football safety is a fascinating journey worth exploring. The Early Years: Limited Protection

With National Concussion Awareness Day last week, healthcare professionals are spreading the word! Understanding the signs and symptoms of concussions is key to avoiding and helping to prevent further injuries. Another key is helmet safety. While concussions can’t guarantee concussion …

Youth football has come a long way in recent years, with a renewed focus on safety. Parents and coaches alike have been concerned about the risks associated with the sport, particularly head injuries. However, the implementation of strict safety protocols, better equipment, and improv …

Athletic trainers (ATs) are essential to athletes' safety and physical health, but they do so much more than meets the eye! ATs provide emergency care and injury prevention, but also comforting peace of mind to sideline parents. Every sports parent can relate to the sigh of relief the …

Youth football, an institution in its own right, teaches countless young athletes’ teamwork, discipline, resilience, and focus. But the contact sport also comes with its own challenges and concerns, especially regarding the mental well-being of its participants. As the conversation ar …

Participating in sports can be one of the best activities for young people. It leads to many incredible outcomes not just now but later in life, too! Alongside the endless physical benefits of participating in sports, it's also a major factor in promoting positive mental health. As pa …

In the realm of sports and physical activities, young athletes' safety and well-being are paramount. As concerns escalate regarding the impact of extreme heat and poor air quality on these individuals, it becomes crucial to address these challenges comprehensively. In this article, we …

Sport is a beautiful thing that the world has embraced as one of life's greatest teaching tools. However, we must understand that sport (as in life) troubling things can and do happen Research tells us that it can occur in organized youth sports. Coaches play a significant role in ath …

Sports have always been integral to human culture, offering a platform for physical activity, competition, and camaraderie. At InjureFree, we hold a profound and unwavering commitment to sports safety, recognizing its pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of athletes and participant …

There are a myriad of benefits to documenting athlete data. Not only does documentation help avoid future incidents and provides detailed athlete information for future reference and allow volunteer coaches and ATs to make more informed decisions regarding athlete care. In 2019, South …