Part 6: A Solution: When Hoping and Praying is Simply Not Enough
So, mom and dad, are you really willing to let a completely untrained, unprepared coach make a determination as to whether or not your child should go back into the game?
In other words, would you EVER drop your kids off at a public pool knowing there was no lifeguard on duty?
No!Then why do you drop off your kids at the sports fields without the knowledge that someone could take care of them if they got injured?
The NFHS says, "We wish we would not have to report another death in high school sports. That goal starts with continuing our efforts to minimize risk for the 12 million participants in high school activity programs." (Ref)
As Zach Lystadt’s dad says, “if there is no accountability, then there is no responsibility.” (Ref)
Hope and Prayer is not enough. "I sort of just sit there, secretly hoping at the end of every game that they walk of the field in one piece"
What is the solution? Is our approach simply going to remain a reactive response? Are we going to continue along the path of horrible injury which begets a lawsuit which begets a new law?
Think about this:
Why do all states now have concussion laws that are named after a youth athlete? The Zackery Lystedt law in Washington was the first of its kind and now all 50 states have concussion laws.
Why does the pattern seem to be lack of preparation ► horrible injury ► lawsuit.
Read about the class action lawsuit against FIFA and US Soccer.
"Playing safe and being able to continue to enjoy your sport for the rest of your life is ultimately what's the most important." Dr. Naomi Albertson
