As competition for athletic scholarships ratchets ever higher, an increasingly popular way for high school athletes to be seen by college scouts and coaches is by attending elite tournaments and so-called "showcases" where players from across the country gather to literally showcase their talents.
While convenient for college coaches, such large scale athletic events, which usually involve multiple games or matches in a condensed period of time, pose an increased risk of traumatic injury or illness to youth athletes. Parents need to know, as they watch their kids compete, that the event organizer is taking appropriate steps to prevent injuries, and that sufficient qualified medical personnel are at the event to provide first-aid in the event of minor injuries and transport more seriously injured athletes to the nearest hospital emergency room.
What should parents be looking for in a well-organized tournament or showcase?
It almost goes without saying that such large scale athletic events should be staffed by at least one certified athletic trainer (AT), who has concentrated training and expertise in sports injury prevention and treatment.
In addition, from my years serving as an AT for the NFL's scouting combine and various other large scale athletic events at the professional and college levels, I believe the following are essential at any tournament or showcase your child attends:
Links:
[1] https://mail.momsteam.com/node/2579
[2] https://mail.momsteam.com/node/2876
[3] https://mail.momsteam.com/node/3074
[4] https://mail.momsteam.com/node/2025
[5] https://mail.momsteam.com/node/866
[6] https://mail.momsteam.com/health-safety/hydration-safety/ice-water-immersion-best-treating-exertional-heat-stroke
[7] https://mail.momsteam.com/nutrition/heat-illness-cramps-exhaustion-stroke-signs-treatment
[8] https://mail.momsteam.com/node/300
[9] https://mail.momsteam.com/node/371
[10] https://mail.momsteam.com/node/278
[11] https://mail.momsteam.com/node/2470
[12] https://mail.momsteam.com/health-safety/general-safety/emergency-medical-plan-essential-for-youth-sports-safety
[13] https://mail.momsteam.com/team-of-experts/pre-participation-evaluations-a-primer-for-parents
[14] https://mail.momsteam.com/lightning-safety-policies-every-sports-club-or-league-needs-one
[15] https://mail.momsteam.com/sports/football-tackle/safety/why-football-players-at-greater-risk-of-heat-illness
[16] https://mail.momsteam.com/health-safety/hydration-safety/cancel-modify-games-practices-heat-humidity