by slapperdad » Fri Apr 26, 2013 5:56 am
Although I know there's not direct link, a lot of the new limits being placed on full speed drills in Football, point to the same problem. Repetitive stress. Even with head trauma, a lot of the info I'm seeing is placing the emphasis not so much on the odd concussive shots, it's the cumulative effect of many smaller shots. I know this isn't directly related to Softball, but the information dovetails in both sports and their respective physical problems.
I think there is obviously some merit to the studies and their results. I know everyone wants their little DD to be the next Jenny Finch, but at the same time, we have to understand they're children and they need a chance to be kids.
Just for everyone's info, at least three states this year have legislation that limits the amount of "full speed contact" in youth Football. Texas, yes I said Texas, is currently looking at limiting the amount of "full speed contact" to 90 minutes per week at the high school level. The UIL of Texas, which is the state high school associations medical advisory board has recommended it, and they have gone along with every other recommendation from the UIL. I had a member of the NF rules committee tell me Sunday that by 2016 we would see a mandate from the NF regarding full speed contact. Many of these rules and policies are filtered down from the NFL and NCAA. I realize I'm talking about Football, but given the information that we're seeing across the board in all sports about repetitive stress, it can only be a matter of time before we see it in other sports.
Editorial:
As a parent who's been down this road, I can tell you from experience, you have to walk a fine line. Knowing when to push, when to back off, etc. My kid has some natural ability, she's also worked her butt off to cultivate that natural ability. No one knows your kid better than you do, just make sure you're right when it's time to push and when it's time to say hey, take a break.
Every man lives by a code:
1.Always look cool
2.Never get lost
3.If you get lost, look cool