ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) -When it comes to youth injuries on the field, the numbers are encouraging.
“We looked back at serious sports-related injuries going back to 2007. And we found that since 2017, sports-related injuries are down about 10 percent,” says QuoteWizard senior research analyst Nick VinZant. .
According to him, the growth of safety culture has changed in recent years.
“In the past, I think the idea of rubbing dirt in there and coming back from it, talking it through. It used to be dominant,” VinZant says.
When it comes to youth sports injuries, VinZant says soccer is still leading the way.
“If we look at football, children under 14 still have the highest number of injuries. Football has become much safer in the last couple of years,” says VinZant.
According to QuoteWizard, about 40,000 fewer children will be injured playing football, largely due to greater efforts to prevent head injuries.
“If you look at youth football now, there’s less tackling. They’re being taught how to tackle properly. VinZant says they’re much more focused on preventing concussions and taking steps to ensure kids can participate safely.
Injuries are on the decline in many other sports as well.
“Baseball is down 16%. Basketball is down 20. Boxing is down 10. Soccer is down 15. Hockey is down 20. Soccer is down 14,” he says.
VinZant says the only sport with an increase in injuries is skateboarding – 51%.
When choosing the right sport for a child, it is important for parents to know the facts.
“That’s why I think it’s important for the families to get together, talk to the coaches. If you’re comfortable with that, it’s fine. I think you just have to make sure those proper procedures and safety protocols are in place,” VinZant says.
You can read more about sports injury trends on the QuoteWizard website.
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