SPARKS, Md. – Several current and former members of the USA Lacrosse Sports Science & Safety Committee were involved in a recently published study that offers consensus recommendations in the event of a suspected spine injury in lacrosse.

The paper, “Prehospital care of suspected spine-injured lacrosse athletes: a systematic search, evidence review, and consensus recommendations,” was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Among the key recommendations coming out of the study:

Sports are so much more than games. Athletes of all ages and levels learn lifelong skills while getting a healthy dose of exercise and endorphins. Participating in team sports can be a great contributor for building good character and good health.

There is always a degree of risk involved with playing sports, such as sprains, strains and concussions. Most sports injuries are minor to moderate. But rare situations that involve the heart can create life-or-death emergencies.

While rare, there’s still the possibility that serious injuries could occur during lacrosse practices or games, just like in other sports. As such, Local Lacrosse Organizations (LLOs) and tournament operators must ensure the preparedness of their organization for handling emergency situations.

It is important that administrators, staff, and coaches are prepared to respond to emergency situations, and a key step in preparing for emergencies involves the development of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP).

If you’ve had anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery, you know that the recovery process can feel long and daunting. However, the right approach during recovery can actually get you back to your sport stronger than you were before your injury. By making smart choices about how you’re feeding and moving your body, you can more quickly and safely get back in the game. 

USA Lacrosse, a Recognized Sports Organization by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the U.S. representative to the sport’s international federation (World Lacrosse), is leading the effort to establish a Lacrosse Equipment Council (LEC). The LEC will provide a more formalized structure for stakeholders to discuss equipment needs and establish a framework for objective review of all equipment.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) made this statement in support of the LEC.

Are you worried about the amount of time your student-athlete spends on social media?

Dr. Charron Sumler, a TrueSport expert and Assistant Director of Sport Psychology and Wellness Services at Ohio State University, shares the stats on social media, along with the pros and cons of usage for young athletes.

The bottom line: Social media is a valuable tool, and it isn't inherently good or bad, which means you can help your athlete harness its positive power.

Good teammates look out for each other.

That’s the premise behind the Team Up Against Concussion campaign, in which players are encouraged to notify a coach or athletic trainer if they suspect a teammate might have a concussion.

In recognition of National Concussion Awareness Day, USA Lacrosse is pleased to share this valuable information that was developed by our medical partner, MedStar Health. The author, Dr. Karen Laugel, serves as medical director of MedStar Health's Concussion Clinics.

The fall lacrosse season will be starting soon, and for those new to the game, or simply shopping for a new helmet, both USA Lacrosse and the CDC provide free online information to help guide consumers.

What should you look for and what should you avoid when picking out a helmet for your lacrosse player?

We know that sports are hugely beneficial to children and young adults, from both a physical and mental standpoint. But sometimes, the sport systems don’t promote the healthiest practices for all athletes, and that can be difficult for families in youth sports to navigate.