As we know, almost 40 million kids in the United States participate in a recreational sport. Sports provide children with a positive outlet, helps build self esteem and teaches innumerable lessons on leadership, sportsmanship, team work and focus. Injuries are also part of participating in a sport – this we know – but while the benefit to playing sports still outweigh the risk, I was pleased to see that Coach Cowher felt the most important thing we could add to our sports curriculums was injury deterrence techniques. Teaching injury and concussion prevention as part of play makes a huge difference to the amount of injuries players sustain. In particular, Coach Cowher focuses on Heads Up Football (HUF), which works with coaches, parents and players on equipment fitting, hydration, proper tackling and blocking technique designed to reduce head contact and injury  — including concussions. Most importantly, they are seeing positive results.

It is my hope that all sports, from soccer to lacrosse to rugby and beyond – incorporate this type of training in to what is taught to players about the game. It isn’t ‘cool’ to play so hard that you suffer a broken bone, concussion or worse. It’s so important that we remember that many injuries are avoidable, and work as hard as we can to remind people that while sports are an amazing enhancement to your life, playing them safely is the most important thing.

ConcussedTeen.Org is YOUR website.  We want to hear from you so we can work together to educate people so teenage athletes are protected.  Email submissions@concussedteen.org with your story.