To Reduce Risk, Prioritize Policies!
by Lauren Spirov on Dec 20, 2023 9:00:00 AM
In youth sports, having rules and policies in place sets expectations and provides clear instructions and guidance for managing any problems should they arise. Our December 6th blog post covered the fundamentals of a sports safety plan and its crucial elements, including implementing …
5 Tips for Knee Injury Prevention This Winter Season
by Lauren Spirov on Dec 13, 2023 8:45:00 AM
With the warmer months behind us and winter break quickly approaching, so are youth sports off-season. This time of year brings celebration and a respite from organized sports - no games or regular practices- a crucial time to maintain off-season fitness. Research shows that athletes …
Proactive Sports Safety Plans - Preventing Injuries Before They Occur
by Lauren Spirov on Dec 6, 2023 9:00:00 AM
Creating a sports safety plan sounds intimidating, but it doesn't have to be! Let's break it down. Risk management or sports safety plans are controllable and preventative actions that coaches can take to help protect their athletes' well-being. As young athletes continue to specializ …
The Language of Coaching - Communicating with Athletes to Optimize Performance
by Lauren Spirov on Nov 29, 2023 9:00:00 AM
Words hold a lot of weight. As parents and coaches, the effects of our words on our children and athletes are abundantly clear. What we say has the power to heal, hurt, encourage, and criticize. We’ve all had that coach or fitness instructor whose “tough coach” approach didn’t land, o …
Access to Athletic Trainers Based on Geographic Location
by Lauren Spirov on Nov 8, 2023 9:00:00 AM
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 …
The Surprising Benefits of Youth Sports Programs
by Lauren Spirov on Nov 1, 2023 10:45:00 AM
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 …
The Importance of Advocacy – Tips for Effectively Communicating with Your Child’s Doctor
by Lauren Spirov on Oct 25, 2023 9:00:00 AM
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 …
National Youth Sports Specialization Awareness Week - Recommendations to Avoid Specialization-Related Injuries
by Lauren Spirov on Oct 18, 2023 8:45:00 AM
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 …
Recapping InjureFree’s White Paper
by Lauren Spirov on Oct 11, 2023 9:00:00 AM
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 …
Need an Athletic Trainer? Here's What you Need to Know
by Lauren Spirov on Oct 4, 2023 9:00:00 AM
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, …