Safety first: when toughness stops
These are the moments I want every parent and coach to stop the game and act. This guide is education, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 911.
Call 911 now if a player
- Collapses without being hit, or is not breathing normally. Start CPR and get the AED.
- Cannot be woken, has a seizure, or one pupil is larger than the other after a hit
- Is confused, very hot, and stops sweating or acts strangely in the heat. Cool them right away (cold water) while help comes.
- Has chest pain, fainting or a racing heartbeat during exercise
Possible concussion: when in doubt, sit them out
After any hit to the head or body, remove the player if you see or hear about: headache, confusion, not remembering the play, dizziness or poor balance, nausea or vomiting, blurry vision, sensitivity to light or noise, or "I just do not feel right."
No return the same day. Every US state has a youth sports concussion law, and return to play needs clearance from a health care provider. Go to the ER for worsening headache, repeated vomiting, slurred speech, weakness, unusual drowsiness or behavior changes.
Heat
Build up practice in hot weather over 1 to 2 weeks, give real water breaks, and watch the player who is quiet, stumbling or confused. Heat stroke is an emergency: cool first, then transport.
The heart
Fainting during exercise, chest pain, or a family history of sudden death under 50 deserves a doctor visit before the next practice. Know where the AED is at every field and gym.
The mind
Pressure is part of sports. Hopelessness is not. If a player talks about not wanting to be here or hurting themselves, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) and stay with them.
The basics that prevent injuries
- Sleep: most teens need 8 to 10 hours
- Water before, during and after
- Real meals with protein and carbs, not just snacks
- Rest days and more than one sport through the year