Football is a dangerous full-contact sport that can result in serious or even fatal injuries, even at junior levels. More than 1.5 million children ages 5 to 14 are treated for bone and muscle-related sports injuries each year, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Of that 1.5 million, 389,000 injuries are football related. That means more than a quarter of children sports-related injuries happen when playing football.
Considerations
According to the Michigan Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports, children under the age of 10 should not be playing tackle football. Once children have reached the proper age for playing full-contact football, an ideal league and division must be determined so that they are playing with other children of similar size. Every league provides players with a full set of pads and ensures that they have a snug and secure fit on each individual player. Any children who are unable to pass a physical cannot play football.
Types
The most common types of football related musculoskeletal injuries in children ages 5 to 14 are fractures, according to the American Academy of Othopaedic Surgeons. Muscle sprains and bruises are also common; however more than one-quarter of the injuries treated by doctors are bone fractures. Head and neck injuries are also possible, including a concussion. Any child who exhibits signs of a concussion must be kept awake and aware and taken to the emergency room immediately.
Treatment
Treatment for a young player's football-related injury will vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. Muscle strains and sprains need to be iced for the first few days to a week, followed by a slow rehabilitation. Bone breaks or fractures require casting or splinting and can take anywhere from one to nine months to properly heal. Minor injuries like bruises or pulled muscles need to be iced for a few days and warmed up properly before any workout soon thereafter.
Effects
Injuries that occur at a young age can have lifelong effects. According to MayoClinic.com, certain areas of a child's body contain undeveloped muscles and tendons, otherwise known as growth plates. If these are damaged, there is a chance that the child's growth will be stunted. Bones that break or fracture can calcify, leaving a large bump where there otherwise may have been flat bone. In the case of major injuries like torn muscles or tendons that aren't growth plates, there is a chance that the full range of motion may never return.
Prevention
A small amount of weight training should be done focusing on certain areas of their body. Neck strengthening exercises and very lightweight core strengthening movements need to be done regularly to help avoid any major or potentially fatal injuries during collisions. Youth football also focuses heavily on proper tackling form, making sure the young players aren't leading with the crown of their helmet. A full regimen of stretching is always necessary before and after all games and practices.
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