If you pay attention to the news, you've probably seen some scary headlines: fiery NASCAR crashes, career-ending sports injuries, and more. But the truth is, these kinds of accidents are rare. Engineers have designed sports gear to keep athletes as safe as possible. Carbon-fiber helmets, smart pads, and avalanche air bags are just a few of the improvements that help people play sports more safely. Learn more about how the technology in sports gear works to keep us safe.

In the past decade, few subjects at the intersection of medicine and sports have generated as much public interest as sports-related concussions - especially among youth. Despite growing awareness of sports-related concussions and campaigns to educate athletes, coaches, physicians, and parents of young athletes about concussion recognition and management, confusion and controversy persist in many areas. Currently, diagnosis is based primarily on the symptoms reported by the individual rather than on objective diagnostic markers, and there is little empirical evidence for the optimal degree and duration of physical rest needed to promote recovery or the best timing and approach for returning to full physical activity. Sports-Related Concussions in Youth: Improving the Science, Changing the Culture reviews the science of sports-related concussions in youth from elementary school through young adulthood, as well as in military personnel and their dependents. This report recommends actions that can be taken by a range of audiences - including research funding agencies, legislatures, state and school superintendents and athletic directors, military organizations, and equipment manufacturers, as well as youth who participate in sports and their parents - to improve what is known about concussions and to reduce their occurrence. Sports-Related Concussions in Youth finds that while some studies provide useful information, much remains unknown about the extent of concussions in youth; how to diagnose, manage, and prevent concussions; and the short- and long-term consequences of concussions as well as repetitive head impacts that do not result in concussion symptoms. The culture of sports negatively influences athletes' self-reporting of concussion symptoms and their adherence to return-to-play guidance. Athletes, their teammates, and, in some cases, coaches and parents may not fully appreciate the health threats posed by concussions. Similarly, military recruits are immersed in a culture that includes devotion to duty and service before self, and the critical nature of concussions may often go unheeded. According to Sports-Related Concussions in Youth, if the youth sports community can adopt the belief that concussions are serious injuries and emphasize care for players with concussions until they are fully recovered, then the culture in which these athletes perform and compete will become much safer. Improving understanding of the extent, causes, effects, and prevention of sports-related concussions is vitally important for the health and well-being of youth athletes. The findings and recommendations in this report set a direction for research to reach this goal.

Riding motorcycles is fun, but author Ken Condon maintains that there is a state of consciousness to be achieved beyond the simple pleasure of riding down the road. Riding in the Zone helps riders find that state of being. It's the experience of being physically and mentally present in the moment, where every sense is sharply attuned to the ride. Your mind becomes silent to the chatter of daily life, and everyday problems seem to dissolve. You feel a deeper appreciation for life. Your body responds to this state of being with precise, fluid movements, you feel in balance, your muscles are relaxed, and it seems as though every input you make is an expression of mastery. This is "the Zone." Condon identifies all of the factors that affect entering the Zone and addresses each one individually, from the development of awareness and mental skills to mastering physical control of the motorcycle. At the end of each chapter are drills designed to transform the book's ideas into solid, practical riding skills. Riding in the Zone takes riders to the next level in their skill set.

This book develops an "athlete-centred approach" to sports coaching, which allows athletes to take ownership of their learning, strengthening their ability to retain key skills and to make effective decisions during competition.

This sports-specific guide provides risk management strategies for over 15 different sports as well as forms, waivers, and medical releases. Fried addresses legal principles and terminology, transportation, insurance, first aid, issues of liability, etc. for a variety of people associated with sports. Athletes, administrators, facility and events managers, coaches, medical personnel (team physicians, athletic trainers, EMTs), spectators, parents, and students can benefit from the knowledge found in Safe at First. This book is written in an easy-to-understand style with sound legal advice expressed in non-technical terms. Fried guides the reader from the earliest stages of event planning to the completion of the event with special attention given to the concerns that accompany event management. Safe at First also includes a sexual abuse risk management manual for youth sports/activities organizations. This extensive guide appeals to the concerns of those involved with youth sports programs.

"It's good to be active! But readers need to know how to stay safe both indoors and outdoors. Essential safety tips involving helmets, sunscreen, fire, and more are provided along with important information on what to do in case of injury"--