Statistics on Youth Quitting Sports Due to Injury or Burnout


Oct 10, 2021

 by VAforgyms admin
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Sports are an excellent way to stay active, have fun with friends, and boost self-esteem. However, I'm sure you've seen this happen to others. You see someone who is really into a sport, playing it for hours every day, and then they quit because their body can no longer handle the strain. Teens quitting sports due to injury or burnout has become increasingly common in recent years.

 

Statistics show that quitting sports due to injury, burnout, or other factors is a common occurrence among youth.  The National Council of Youth Sports reports that kids aged 6-17 who participate in organized sports are more likely to experience an injury than those who don't participate. This is because the physicality and intensity of these games increase with age.  One study found that 16% of high school athletes have experienced at least one concussion during their lifetime. Not only are injuries considered a major deterrent for youth when it comes to playing sports, but they can also be costly for parents in terms of medical bills and missed work time.  

 

In a recent study of 1,500 kids from across the country, it was found that 67% of children aged 10-14 years old quit sports because they were injured. The most common injuries in this age group are to the knee (20%), ankle (19%), and head/neck (11%). It is important for parents to know about these statistics in order to understand how best to support their child's fitness goals. 

 

The average child today spends less than three years playing a sport before quitting at the age of 11, most often because the sport is no longer enjoyable. According to separate research from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, only 38 % aged 6 to 12 participated in team sports on a regular basis in 2018, down from 45 percent in 2008 (SFIA).

 

However, there are ways you can help prevent your child from experiencing an injury or burnout while participating in sports activities.

 

  1. Get enough sleep. This is important because it helps the body recover from the day before. 
  2. Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated can help avoid cramps, muscle strain, headaches, and other symptoms that are often associated with dehydration. 
  3. Stretch. Stretching at least 10 minutes per day or you could also do a foam rolling routine to stretch and restore. It can also help reduce injury risk by improving flexibility and range of motion. 
  4. Strength training. Strength training can help prevent injury by strengthening the muscle around joints which improves stability. The more muscle you have, the stronger your body will be. Stronger muscles are better able to withstand the force of impact that comes with exercise or everyday activity.
  5. Be a good support system. The key to being a good support system for young athletes is helping them find a balance between the pressures of sports and staying true to themselves. Be there as a guide, not an authority figure who dictates what they should or shouldn't do. 

 

Youth quitting sports has become more common in recent years, owing primarily to increased pressure from adults seeking perfection rather than focusing on fun and learning new skills. To remain supportive, parents or coaches must check about how they feel regarding various situations before making decisions that may have a negative impact on the development of a young athlete.

 

If you're an athlete who is experiencing this, you can seek help from professionals who specialize in restoring athletes to their former glory through rest and rehabilitation.

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