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We’re working on a number of initiatives to expand participation and safety in sports. See what we’re up to.

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Lift Barriers to Youth Sports and Physical Activity

By Samuel Browd, as originally posted by the Seattle Times Earlier this year, the American College of Sports Medicine ranked Seattle second in the 2019 American Fitness Index of healthiest cities. But, as we learned from this month’s State of Play: Seattle-King County report, our most important residents are being left behind. The Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program and colleagues at the University of Washington Center for Leadership in Athletics assessed the current state of play for youth physical activity in the region and leveled a harsh grade. Less than 20% of youth in King County get the Centers for Disease Control...

Law that gives trainers authority to pull players at center of effort to combat concussions

In 2006, playing in a middle school football game, Lystedt suffered a blow to his head. He returned to the game and was hit again, this time suffering a catastrophic brain injury that had him on life support for a week. His recovery required intense physical therapy. It was nine months before he could speak. It was two years before doctors could remove his feeding tube...

Healthy Living: Youth soccer pilot program teaches kids how to ‘be in the air’ to reduce risk of concussions

When we think about injuries on the soccer field, concussions often come to mind. Experts say most concussions in soccer come from a collision with the ground or another player and not from actually heading the ball. That's why researchers at The Sports Institute at UW Medicine launched a pilot program called Aerial, to teach kids how to head the ball properly...

Do Physically Active Children Attain Higher Academic Achievement?

Physically active youngsters seem to have an advantage when it comes to academic achievement. They retain more information in memory to process actions and decisions. They learn, focus and manage their impulses better than others. And regions of their brains critical to mental performance appear to be larger and to connect better with one another....

Do Team Sports Offer Health Advantages that Other Activities Do Not?

Children and adolescents move, play and engage in sports in lots of different ways. They skip rope, throw balls, jog alone or compete on teams against one another—all healthy ways to be active. In recent years, researchers have begun to explore whether some of these activities are more closely linked than others to specific health benefits over time....

Team Sports in Teens May Fortify Mental Health of Adults who Suffered Childhood Neglect and Abuse

Children exposed to adversity are at increased risk of developing anxiety, depression and other health conditions when they become adults. As adults, their own children may be prone to similar difficulties. Experts exploring ways to break this cycle think that playing team sports may help adolescents build the resilience necessary to thwart these problems....

Muscle Cramping In the Heat

Muscle cramping is the bane of athletes exercising in the heat. It's a painful condition that can range from annoying to disabling. That makes it important to know how to prevent one. ...

Nutrition & Hydration Resources

Hydration. This site includes videos and information on hydration, including how to know if an athlete is hydrated, how much to drink and what to drink. (Korey Stringer Institute) Hydration Kit. This two-page handout lists hydration supplies, from electrolyte freezer pops to pumper-style cooling stations. The handout provides prices and links to websites where individuals or teams can purchase them. (Korey Stringer Institute) Guidelines on fluid replacement. This 2017 position stand provides evidence-based recommendations on best hydration practices for active people. (National Athletic Trainers’ Association) Nutrition and athletic performance. Guidance on food, fluids and supplements to take for peak health and performance across...

Exercise & Health: Key References

These scientific papers explore some of the research that informed The Sport Institute’s article “Movement, Play and Sports: What Are the Benefits?”...

Movement, play and sports: What are the benefits?

Sports, movement and play yield abundant benefits and can enhance the physical, mental and social health of children, today and long into the future. Just about any kind of activity is beneficial, from brisk walking, cycling or pickup games to after-school training and team sports...