Healthy Youth Sports

The podcast discusses the Female Athlete Triad, which includes low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone density. It explores the mental and physical effects of eating disorders, as well as the importance of bone health. It also highlights the recognition and treatment of overuse injuries in athletes. The chapter emphasizes the significance of proper nutrition and challenges myths surrounding strength training and menstrual loss. The podcast advocates for creating a safe and healthy environment in sports to encourage long-term participation.

Guests Dr. Tamerah Hunt and Kylie Roberts discuss the impact of athletic identity on young athletes, the development of a win-it-all-cost mindset, challenges athletes face when transitioning out of sports, the importance of early intervention in youth sports, and the benefits of having a multi-dimensional identity.

Dr. Rick Howard, an Assistant Professor and Sports Performance Coordinator, discusses the importance of matching child-centered policies to appropriate development in youth sport. He emphasizes prioritizing fun, skill development, and social interaction over winning. The podcast also explores the shift from recreational leagues to travel teams and shares a technique for coaching youth athletes. It concludes with a discussion on creating policies that balance structured and unstructured play in youth sports.

Rick Howard, an Assistant Professor and Sports Performance Coordinator, discusses the impact of adolescent development on fitness and conditioning in youth sports. Topics include strength training, variety in conditioning activities, energy systems, tailored training for different age groups, and the benefits of strength and conditioning for children and adolescents.

Dr. Rick Howard discusses long-term athletic development, emphasizing the importance of considering each child's individual development in youth sports. The chapter explores the decrease in sport participation among children and the importance of the social aspect in sports for mental health. It also highlights the significance of the social element in sports and the value athletes place on relationships and memories over winning. The speakers share their experience playing cornhole at a graduation party, hinting at an upcoming coaching series on ages and stages in youth sports.

Joining the Healthy Youth Sports podcast is Thayne Munce,Ph.D., FACSM, an Assistant Scientist and Director of the Athletic Health & Performance Lab at Sanford Research, a division of Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, SD. Dr. Munce is a research sports scientist who studies the effects of repetitive head impacts and concussion on brain health in athletes. His work is highlighted by a multi-year study investigating head impact exposure and neurologic function in youth football players. We have an outstanding show for you shining a spotlight on a very important topic of Youth Football Health & Safety. Let's jump right in! Follow Dr. Munce on Twitter Follow NYSHSI on Twitter Download the transcript of this podcast Additional resources: Concussion: Not Just a Football Injury | Handout/Flyer Recommendations and Guidelines for Minimizing Head Impact Exposure and Concussion Risk in Football USA Football Heads Up Program