Every sports season brings excitement, teamwork, and fun. But it also brings risks for injury. That's why programs like Tennessee’s Safe Star Initiative are so important. The Safe Stars program recognizes youth sports leagues and schools when they adopt policies and practices to prevent injury. These policies include developing and practicing emergency plans, training coaches on concussions and sudden cardiac arrest, implementing practices to protect against heat illness and lightning, and knowing what to do when the weather turns bad. These practices help protect young athletes. Schools and leagues can apply for Safe Stars recognition at the bronze, silver, or gold level. Ask your coach about applying for Safe Stars recognition.
Families also need to stay informed about safety. For example, the CDC's Heads Up program offers easy guides that help families, coaches, and athletes learn about concussions. These guides teach signs to watch for and steps to take if someone gets hurt.
Why it matters: The CDC reports that about 70% of emergency visits for sports-related brain injuries happen to kids ages 17 or under. Also, youth tackle football (players ages 6 to 14) experience 15 times more head impacts than flag football players during the season, and girls’ soccer has the second-highest rate of concussion behind boys' tackle football.
Here's what families can do:
· Ask if the league follows Safe Stars or similar safety rules.
· Learn how to spot concussion signs: headache, dizziness, confusion, or just not feeling great.
· Talk with coaches about emergency plans and safety training.
· Encourage coaches to choose safer options, increasing no-contact practices.
· Encourage coaches to apply for Safe Stars recognition today.
When families know the rules and signs of injury, they help keep young athletes safe, healthy, and ready to play season after season.