News & Events title image

News & Events

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

October 2025 Sideline Report

HIGHLIGHT REEL

Two boys playing football
Photo Credit: Stock Image
Back to School Concussion Awareness: What Every Parent Needs to Know

As kids head back to school and sports, it’s time to brush up on concussion basics. A concussion is a brain injury that can be caused by a blow to the head, or by colliding with another person, an object or the ground. Also, a hard blow to the body can transmit force to the brain and cause a concussion. Most sports-related concussions do not involve being “knocked out.”

Watch out for warning signs requiring urgent attention: severe headache or neck pain, weakness in arms or legs, vomiting, child not responsive or developing seizures. The Concussion Recognition Tool 6 (CRT6) 

If your child gets hit in the head or body and there is a suspicion of a concussion, make sure they come out of practice or the game and get checked out by a doctor or other licensed healthcare provider before returning to play. Not only is that the law, but it is also the right thing to do. Look for warning signs requiring emergency medical attention like severe headache, worsening confusion, continued vomiting or becoming increasingly drowsy.

If they’re diagnosed with a concussion, follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations. Current guidelines suggest resting from activities and screens for a day or two, then slowly working back to normal activity.

“Concussions can be an invisible injury. Make sure your child knows to tell someone if they’re not feeling right. Acting early and pulling kids out who might be injured is crucial for keeping our kids safe.”
— Sara Chrisman, MD, Seattle Children’s pediatrician 

Recovery happens in steps – school first, then sports. Most kids recover within four weeks with proper care. Work with your licensed healthcare provider and school to create the right plan for your child.

Learn more about concussions – causes, sports with the highest risk, and what to do if symptoms don’t go away – on TSI’s donor-supported Learning Center.

The Game Plan film production team with TSI, The Distillery, and volunteers at Aspen Farms in Yelm, WA
Equestrian Game Plan Video

Our cameras are rolling on the latest installment of The Game Plan video series! This new equestrian-focused sports safety film will educate medical first responders, riders, and lay persons on the emergency response to head and spinal injuries in equestrian sports. Full story coming next issue!

Did you know?
A study analyzing National Trauma Data Bank data showed that equestrian injuries resulted in more hospital visits than skiing, motorcycle racing, or football.
Person running along a wet sidewalk in rain gear.
 Photo Credit: Stock Image
Walking in the Rain: A Fun Way to Stay Healthy

Don’t let a little rain stop you from getting your daily exercise! Walking in the rain can be great for your health and mood.

Getting at least 7,000 steps each day helps to reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Since most Americans sit for about 6 hours daily, every movement counts.

Rain walks wake up all your senses in amazing ways. You can feel the cool raindrops on your face, hear the rhythmic patter on leaves, and smell that fresh, clean air. Some people even enjoy catching raindrops on their tongue! This sensory experience releases “feel good” hormones called endorphins, which reduce stress and boost your mood.

“Walking in the rain really wakes up all of our senses,” Dr. Cindy Lin said. “You can hear the rhythm of the rain, you can feel the rain drops, and smell the fresh air.”

Stay safe by choosing well-lit paths that aren’t slippery. Wear bright or reflective clothes so cars can see you, plus waterproof boots and a rain jacket.

If the weather gets too rough, turn on music and dance inside instead. Every bit of movement counts for your health!

Take a “Snack Break!”
Not every workout needs to be long! “Fitness snacks” are short bouts of 5-10 minutes of movement throughout the day as opposed to one long workout session. 

TSI IN THE NEWS

Soccer players in a huddle.
Photo Credit: Stock Photo
Mental Strength Training Program Featured on KING5-TV HealthLink 

Our Mental Strength Training program was recently featured in a KING5-TV HealthLink story by reporter Christine Pae, highlighting the work we’ve been doing with youth coaches to teach emotional coping skills, with an ultimate goal of improving youth mental health.

Last spring, more than 150 athletes from two local high schools participated in our pilot program, learning strategies like controlled breathing and visualization to build mental strength on and off the field. TheMental Strength Training program, funded by philanthropic gifts, addresses the growing teen mental health crisis by using sports language rather than clinical terminology to make coping skills more engaging and relevant to youth athletes.

We’re now evaluating pilot data, partnering with the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), and raising funds to allow for larger-scale implementation.

If you are interested in learning more or getting access to the program for your school, team, or general community, please fill out this form. Support Mental Strength Training with a gift to The Sports Institute.

TSI PUBLICATIONS

Sara Chrisman, MD 

  • Chrisman SPD, et al. Psychometrics of a fear-avoidance measure adapted for youth with concussion: Fear of Concussive Symptoms Questionnaire (FOCSQ) child and parent-proxy versions. Neuropsychology. 2025; in press.

Christine Mac Donald, PhD 

TSI PRESENTATIONS

Stan Herring, MD 

Cervical spine injuries and spine boarding. Sports Medicine Emergency Preparedness Symposium, Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Foundation. Virtual Presentation. August 2025.

STEP concussion and mild TBI certificate program. American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Annual Conference. Salt Lake City, UT. October 2025. (Co-chair and faculty)

Cindy Lin, MD 

Innovate to rehabilitate: Applying digital health and AI when monitoring physical activity and low back pain. American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Annual Conference. Salt Lake City, UT. October 2025.

GET IN THE GAME

Learn More. Check out the impact TSI creates with your support.

Reach Out. Please contact us to learn more about The Sports Institute, share feedback/ideas, and explore opportunities to collaborate.

Make Sports and Exercise Safer for Everyone. Generous donors fuel our successes in advocacy, safety, technology, and research!

If you would like to learn more about supporting our work, please contact Wendy Kelley, Director for Philanthropy for TSI at wkelley@uw.edu or 206-616-8207.