Approximately 3 million kids ages 6-14 play tackle football in the United States every year and as football season kicks into gear so do injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are an estimated 135,000 emergency room visits for traumatic brain injuries every year among people ages 5 to 18, the majority coming from recreational sports. In May 2009, Washington State signed a law called the "Zackery Lystedt Law" which keeps a player who shows signs of a concussion, or has sustained a concussion, from returning to play or practice until they have received appropriate evaluation by a licensed heath care professional (LHCP) trained in the evaluation and management of concussion. Thus far, there are 7 states that have passed the law and hopefully soon, others will catch on.
We encourage you to consider the following football season safety tips in an effort to keep your child safe:
1. Have a pre-season health and wellness evaluation
2. Wear properly fitted protective equipment, such as a helmet, pads, and mouth-guard
3. Hydrate adequately to maintain health and minimize cramps
4. Ensure that your child knows proper tackling techniques
5. Be aware of coaches that “play through the pain”
6. Kids should be competing against others their own size
7. Educate athletes and other parents or coaches about concussion.
8. If your athlete has experienced a bump or blow to the head, keep him out of play until they are properly evaluated
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