Finding the Balance

We have all heard of the problems caused by sport specialization, many were discussed in our previous post The Hype Behind Sport Specialization  .   However there is a new trend occurring with youth sport, the do everything phenomenon.   This seems to be the counter balance to the specialization phenomenon.  What this is creating is a new problem that is erasing the benefits of being a multi-sport athlete.  Young athletes are participating in multiple sports in one season.  The point of children doing multi sport was to give them a wide variety of skills and mental experiences.  What is happening though is children are being shuttled from sport to sport in one day.  Indoor soccer practice to hockey game or tumbling practice to dance practice.  

Situations like increase the child's level of fatigue, increased chance of injury and burnout.  All typical outcomes for sport specialization as well.   We tend to forget about scheduling time for play, sleep and homework for our young athletes.  During a recent seminar a group of young athletes were shocked when told they should be getting between 8-10 hours of sleep a night.  They pointed out that after practice and homework, they are closer to 6-7 hours.  It is important to note that athletes who get less than 8 hours of sleep per night are 1.7 times more likely to suffer an injury.  

The goal of participating in multiple sports was to broaden the young athletes development and was geared towards year round sport.  Multiple sports should be played over multiple seasons.  This allows for our youth athletes to focus on one sport at a time, focus on school and as well as allowing them to have time to be KIDS.  

So if you are finding it exhausting from running from sport to sport, think about this is effecting the kids.  

References

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The Hype Behind Sport Specialization

We recently did a presentation for Ever Active Schools - Shaping the Future conference 

Here is the presentation 

What Came First the Athlete or the Injury?

The question of whether there is more sport related injuries in youth sports begs is similar to the which came first the chicken or the egg, or is the rooster crowing more?

Though in recent years there has been some decrease in sport participation for adolescents, overall 75% of children aged 5-17 participate in some form (Sports Participation 2010).  All sports bring with them a risk of injury, younger athletes tend to suffer traumatic injuries while those over the age of 13 tend to suffer more chronic overuse type injuries, (Pediatric Sports Injuries An Age Comparison of Children Versus Adolescents)

So what really came first?  Are there more young athletes or are the young athletes getting injured more?  If there are more athletes participating then it would be logical to assume that there would be more injuries.  However statistics do show that there has been a decrease in participation in certain sports, yet sports that did not exist in 90's are very popular today.  

However, the way sports are played has changed.  Many things that would be considered activities are now organized sports, ie. Ultimate Frisbee.  Sports are seen as a means to an end, school scholarships and professional contracts are the ultimate goal for many parents and athletes.  Due to this athletes are pushing and being pushed at a younger age.  Sport specialization and the formalization of youth sports has these young athletes performing more often and at higher intensities.  

One of the major changes in sport is the culture.  The "old school" thought was that if it wasn't broke you played.  Former athletes were taught to tape an Aspirin to it and keep playing, that playing through injuries no matter how severe was what made you strong.  Athletes are now taught to let their coaches, parents, teachers and athletic therapists know if they are injured.  This point alone could attest for the rise in injuries.  It may not be there is more occurring, it is just that there are more being reported.  

No matter the reasoning for the increase in sports injuries, they are occurring at a greater rate.  As a parent, coach, teacher, athletic therapist/trainer, and athletes we need to focus on injury prevention and proper management.  There needs to be a greater focus on player safety and overall wellness.  For our young athletes to truly get the best experience in sport, they need to be able to participate without fear of injury. 

For more information follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt and our website at www.eliteinjury.com 

Athletic Therapist Spotlight - Kim Schneider

Here is our final spotlight for National Athletic Therapy Month. 

Name: Kim Schneider 

Job: Athletic Therapist with The Edmonton Wildcats Football Club and Mentor Therapist for the Sherwood Park Kings Athletic Club (hockey)

Education Background: I have a Bachelor of Physical Education with a specialization in Sports Performance from the University of Alberta as well as an Advanced Certificate in Athletic Therapy from Mount Royal College.

What is a typical day for you:  A typical practice day with the Wildcats consists of arriving at the clubhouse 1.5 hours before practice starts to get everyone prepared and taped up. We are there for 30-45 min after practice to assess anything that may have happened at practice. On game day, we get to the field 2.5 hours before the game as we need to have everyone ready and taped up in time for warm ups. We are usually there for 45 min after a game to assess any new injuries or have our team doctor assess injuries that do not seem to be responding to our treatments. For hockey, I will typically get to the rink 1-1.5 hours prior to the game to prep the athletes and to prepare the bench with water bottles, towels, etc. I am basically the equipment manager too! For both sports, game day is a 5-6 hour commitment. 

Favourite part of job: My favourite part of the job is seeing my athletes eyes light up and the smile that comes across their face when I tell them that they are able to play again after an injury. I also enjoy the camaraderie of being a part of a team. 

Why did you become an AT: I became an AT because I like helping people and I love sports. I put the two together and found a fantastic job!

Highlight of Career: The highlight of my career thus far would have to be winning the 2013 Western Canadian Challenge Cup with the U16 boys Team Alberta Hockey as the Head Athletic Therapist. Representing our province is a privilege that not everyone gets to do and to do that while bringing home the gold was an experience that I will never forget!

Follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt and check out our website Elite Injury Management