Child & Teen Sports Safety

Why Sports Safety Matters

Sports help children and teens stay active, build confidence and learn valuable life skills. While injuries can happen in any sport, many can be prevented through proper preparation, safe coaching practices and early recognition of injuries.

Parents, coaches and athletes all play an important role in creating a safe sports environment where young athletes feel comfortable speaking up when they're hurt and taking the time they need to recover.

Fast Facts About Youth Sports Injuries

  • Children and teens account for about 7 out of every 10 emergency department visits for sports- and recreation-related concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
     
  • Contact sports such as football, basketball and soccer account for nearly half (45 percent) of sports-related concussion emergency department visits among children.
     
  • Sports injuries are a leading cause of pediatric emergency department visits, accounting for about 23 percent of all injury-related ED visits in children.
     
  • Many sports injuries can be prevented with proper conditioning, sport-specific training, protective equipment and following return-to-play recommendations after an injury.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Data on Sports and Recreation Activities; Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine Epidemiology of Pediatric Lower Extremity Injuries in the Five Most Popular U.S. Sports: A 10-Year Analysis of National Injury Data (2015–2024)

Sports Safety Education from Stony Brook Children's

Keeping young athletes safe starts with education. Stony Brook Children's Hospital partners with the Division of Sports Medicine, Athletic Training, the Pediatric Trauma Center and Safe Kids to provide free sports safety education for youth sports organizations throughout Suffolk County.

Our student athlete, parent and coach education sessions help organizations promote safe play, recognize injuries early and prepare for emergencies both on and off the field. Each presentation is customized to meet the needs of your league, school or organization and can be held at your location during evenings or weekends.

Sports Safety Education Topics

Educational sessions may include:

  • Acute and overuse injury prevention
  • Concussion awareness and response
  • Emergency response, including CPR and AED education
  • Positive play and sportsmanship
  • Proper nutrition and hydration for young athletes

If your organization is interested in scheduling a free Sports Safety Education Session, please use the information below:

Adult Injury Prevention
Kristi Ladowski, MPH
Associate Director, Injury Prevention & Community Integration
(631) 444-8385
kristi.ladowski@stonybrookmedicine.edu

Pediatric Injury Prevention
Jamie Ryan, BSN, RN, CPN
Injury Prevention Coordinator
Stony Brook Children's Hospital
Pediatric Trauma Service
(631) 444-9321
sbcinjuryprevention@stonybrookmedicine.edu

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