Nick Ridolfi Professor Froggatt English 107 2 May 2011

Thesis Statement
Research shows that many long-term injuries in young athletes are preventable by coaches, parents and athletes themselves adhering to guidelines, proper nutrition and appropriate treatment of injuries.
Fig. 1. www.hillcountrytimes.com

Facts & Figures

Over 3.5 million children under 14 have suffered from sports injury requiring medical attention 62% of sports injuries occur during practice 40% of all sports injuries in ER are children aged 5-14
"Sports Safety Education - National Center for Sports Safety." Sports Safety Education - National Center for Sports Safety. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2011. <http://www.sportssafety.org>

-Previous injury is the cause for many injuries, as proper rehabilitation is required for weakened tissues, and should be continued until full strength is regained Another factor is poor conditioning.. -Research shows that majority of injuries happen early in the season, before the athletes are fully conditioned, because the body is not able to handle the same stresses continuously after being out of shape

Fig. 3. Image of knee injury. No off-season for sports injuries. MomsMiami. 2011. Web. 28 April 2011.

*Proper nutrition

*Proper warm up, cool down

* Proper equipment, helmets, chest guards, shoes * Mandatory certification and continuing education for coaches * Certified athletic trainers at every practice and game *Access to defibrillators at every practice and game
"LIVESTRONG.COM - Lose Weight & Get Fit with Diet, Nutrition & Fitness Tools." LIVESTRONG.COM - Lose Weight & Get Fit with Diet, Nutrition & Fitness Tools. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2011. <http://livestrong.com>

 Injuries seen in young children should be taken extremely serious for it could cause permanent deformities.

 Arguments against stricter rules are being heard across the nation. Health insurances dont cover extra preventative tests Coaches refute the overuse injury complaint saying the body will build a tolerance over time Winning doesnt happen by softening the rules of the game

"LIVESTRONG.COM - Lose Weight & Get Fit with Diet, Nutrition & Fitness Tools." LIVESTRONG.COM - Lose Weight & Get Fit with Diet, Nutrition & Fitness Tools. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2011. <http://livestrong.com>. Carter, Joan. "Proper Nutrition for Young Athletes." Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Texas. Web. 15 Apr. 2011. <http://www.bcm.edu/cnrc/consumer/archives/athletes.htm>;. "Sports Safety Education - National Center for Sports Safety." Sports Safety Education - National Center for Sports Safety. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2011. <http://www.sportssafety.org>.