“Two tragic spine injuries in Minnesota high school hockey games in the last month have sparked debate among parents, officials, and fans over how the rough sport can be made safer.”

“The Minnesota State High School League acted quickly announcing tougher penalties for three types of infractions that increase the risk of spine injuries: checking from behind, boarding, and contact to the head.”

“However, prevention of these kinds of injuries will take a major effort from everyone involved in youth hockey — from the leagues and officials, to coaches, parents and players themselves, experts say. It will take a combination of stricter rules, better conditioning, smarter playing techniques – and maybe an overhaul of hockey culture itself.”

Here are some specific ideas:

*  “Jack’s Pledge” was established by the  family of a severely injured player.  High school hockey players are seen pledging to play more safely on a Youtube video.

*  Players who play violently even when they haven’t received a penalty should be forced to sit out for a period of time or for the time remaining to the end of the game.  

*  To help prevent spine injuries in young players, neck  strength should be increased.  Too many players have underdeveloped necks as compared to biceps and thighs.

*  Better techniques can be taught to help players with administering and receiving checks.  Programs at USA Hockey have been assisted by The Mayo Clinic to help combat both spine and head injuries.

*  Provide instruction on proper way to crash into boards.  Most players usually holds their heads down and leans into the fall.  A “heads up don’t duck” prevention strategy is being promoted which helps with the mechanism of the injury so the player can avoid it.

Source: MSN News

There have been 36 deaths in the U.S. since 1979 from portable soccer goals falling.  Goals should be held down with stakes or sand bags as they can weigh up to 500lbs. 

Click here to see our prior blog and video on this topic “Video Explains Soccer Goal Tip Over Hazards”

Source: WRAL Local News

This article covers some new ground on the following topics:

* behavioral signs of the people who are most likely to steal (ex: living beyond means, unwilling to share duties)

* warning signs that theft may be occurring (ex: missing / unorganized records, sudden drop in revenue)

* overall protections that should be implemented (ex: avoid multiple board members who are closely related, insist of financial reporting at meetings)

*how to protect against the theft of cash from concessions and gate receipts (ex: always take beginning and ending inventory at concession stand, issue tickets or use counter)

* some statistics on the mindset of the embezzler (10% will steal no matter what)

For the 10% who will steal no matter what, all sports organizations definitely need Crime Insurance. We offer a $25,000 Sports Crime Insurance policy for $175 a year.

Click here for this fantastic article

Source: Anonymous

“While Cole was playing a casual game in which the teams did not even keep score, he was still playing softball, which is a contact sport,” the SC Supreme Court wrote in Monday’s opinion. “Where a person chooses to participate in a contact sport, whatever the level of play, he assumes the risks inherent in that sport.”

Source: Insurance Journal 2011

While the Penn State case is making national headlines because of its legendary coach and it’s football program, understand that this happens FREQUENTLY in youth sports.  Most of our readers are involved in teams/leagues/youth programs in one-way or the other. Are you a coach, athletic director, team mom or a parent on the side-lines?  Whatever your position, today is the day to step back and realize where exactly you fit into the lives of the kids participating in your youth sports organization.   You are there to protect them at all cost.

Some time ago, we did a blog on Protect Your Kids From Predators In Youth Sports.  This blog is a must read for anyone that has or is involved with children. It includes an article from Sports Illustrated from actual predators in youth programs saying “This is how we got away with it …this is how you protect your kids.” (Example from the article, Did you know, Studies have found that the average preferential molester victimizes about 120 children before he is caught? DISTURBING). It also contains useful Risk Management guidelines that can be implemented TODAY!

For more articles on preventing sexual abuse and molestation, visit our blog.

Shart this with others so that we all can make a difference.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER:

Congratulations to Christopher Malenab, Sacramento, CA!!!!  

 Chris will receive a $50 American Express gift card.

Due to the great response from our Fitness Instructors we have also chosen a Runner-Up, in this case, TWO!! They had the exact same number!

RUNNER-UP:

Angela Ponzio, Elmwood Park, IL

Leslie Franklin, Springfield, MO

 Each of these ladies will receive a $25 American Express gift card.

Thank you to all the participants. We hope that you enjoyed the contest. The best part of the contest was actually seeing the comments that were made by others on how their personal trainer has changed their lives.

If you would like more information on the fitness instructor insurance that Sadler Sports and Recreation provides their customers, visit us today!