How to Keep Young Athletes Safe

Concussions are serious business. Head trauma in children requires prompt and proper treatment. Young athletes between the ages of 11 and 18 are particularly susceptible to head injuries. The CDC estimates that 3.8 million concussions are sustained every year in the US.

In 2012, Colorado Senate Bill 40 – The Jake Snakenberg Youth Concussion Act was put in place to create a set of standards for coaches of youth sports to ensure proper concussion care for all young athletes. The bill has three major components:

  1. Coaches of youth sports are now required to train annually to recognize the signs and symptoms of head trauma in children.
  2. The athlete must be pulled from the game or practice if the coach suspects a concussion has occurred and cannot allow that child to return to play that day.
  3. The athlete can’t return to practice or play without written clearance from a health care provider after a thorough evaluation.

80-90 percent of concussions heal well, if treated properly. Keep in mind that an athlete that sustains one concussion is four to six times more likely to have a repeat head injury. Football injuries, in particular, average one in every five and a half games.

HealthONE is committed to providing FREE concussion seminars to help parents and coaches keep young athletes safe. Email Karen Romero at Karen.Romero@HealthONEcares.com to set one up.