Sports Medicine for Coaches and Trainers

More than 90 percent of youths who participate in organized athletic events do so without a certified trainer available. Schools rely on coaches and student-or teacher-trainers who may have only a rudimentary knowledge of injuries and their treatment, and municipal recreation leagues often do not have any staff member available to assist injured youngsters. Sports Medicine for Coaches and Trainers provides clear and comprehensive instructions for recognizing and treating common sports injuries. This invaluable resource should be on the sidelines during every practice session and every competition involving young athletes. Following an introduction to some of the general principles of sports medicine, the book focuses on diagnosing specific injuries, from cuts and bumps to sprains, dislocations and separations, and broken bones. Other chapters examine such related issues as drug abuse (including steroids), nutrition, special concerns for female athletes, and sports psychology. A final section discuses the roles and responsibilities of coaches, teacher-trainers, and team physicians in providing a safe environment for young athletes. Sports Medicine for Coaches and Trainers should be useful not only to coaches and trainers from the elementary school to the college level but also to volunteers in community recreation programs, camp counselors, scouting leaders, and health paraprofessionals.