High School Contact Sports Not Connected to Brain Problems

To play or not to play?

Potential good news for those with brain injury concerns in contact sports. New research shows that any cognitive ailment present in youths who played contact sports was no more significant in those who did not play contact sports as they progressed into adulthood. The study conducted by the University of …

Read More »

service dogs in sports facilities

Dogs, Disabilities, and Discrimination at the Sports Facility

People with disabilities frequently use sports facilities

Disabled patrons use sports facilities and have the same rights to use them under the law as able-bodied patrons. But questions may arise from facility staff when a patron uses a service animal. Staff may have concerns over discrimination policies with regard to animals or if animals may pose …

Read More »

Baseball Safety Netting

Foul Ball Injuries to Spectators in MLB

Current netting standards offer insufficient protection

Over the years, we’ve occasionally tackled the topic of foul ball injuries to baseball spectators. The problem is insufficient netting along the baselines and behind home plate. In 2018, a 79-year-old woman died from the injury sustained on her birthday by a foul ball at Dodgers Stadium.

In 2014, Dwayne Sowa …

Read More »

New App Makes Staffing Athletic Trainers a Breeze

Guest Blogger: Ricky Schwartzberg of Go4Ellis

The Go4Ellis platform efficiently links athletic trainers with sports event operators looking to hire medical professionals for their events. Athletic trainers register for free accounts and set up a professional profile, including proof of licensure, liability insurance, and other legal requirements.  All athletic trainers on Go4Ellis must be members of …

Read More »

AYF general liability insurance

AYF Releases Tackle Injuries Report

Deciphering the statistics

American Youth Football (AYF) is the largest youth football organization in the U.S. and represents a wide cross section of participants aged 5 to 15.  Between 2005-2018, AYF’s endorsed insurance provider, Sadler Sports & Recreation Insurance, has collected information on 4,534 injuries.  Each injury was analyzed based on 20 different categories and data …

Read More »

Concussion detection

AYF Study: 2005-17 Concussion Trends in Youth Tackle Football

Provides perspective for impact of education, getting head out of tackle, and practice restrictions

The latest American Youth Football (AYF) study on concussion trends reveals that education of administrators, coaches, parents, and players is having a positive impact on the identification of and more aggressive response to concussions. On the other hand, popular initiatives to remove the head from …

Read More »

Managing Risks to Participants and Spectators at Special Events

Precautions that help keep sports and recreation events fun for everyone

Community calendars are full of local organizations sponsoring tournaments, festivals, outdoor fundraisers, races, craft fairs and more. You’ll likely attend at least one yourself in any given season.

Event organizers are responsible for the safety and security of attendees, participants and vendors. That even includes, …

Read More »

Risk management for special sporting events

Managing Risks to Participants and Spectators at Special Events

Precautions can save lives and lawsuits

Community calendars are full of local organizations sponsoring tournaments, festivals, outdoor fundraisers, races, craft fairs and more. You’ll likely attend at least one yourself in any given season.

Those putting on such events are responsible for the safety and security of attendees, participants and vendors. That even includes, in some …

Read More »

Child Abuse in Youth Sports

Protecting Against Sexual Abuse and Molestation in Youth Sports

Preventing Grooming is the Key

Do parents who send their children to ball practice ever think that they might be handing them over to a sexual predator?  That’s probably the last thing that crosses their mind. They assume that they can trust the coaches, volunteers and league administrators who come in contact with their children.

Child sexual …

Read More »

Charter Bus risk management

Managing Charter Bus Risk for Sports Organizations

Including 5 tips to help reduce liability

One of our youth sports clients was recently involved in a serious charter bus crash. One child was tragically killed and some 45 others were hospitalized. This unfortunate incident resulted in extensive national media coverage. Worse was the pain and suffering of the sports organization, families, and community.

The use …

Read More »