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Master of Public Health

Implementation of Safety Standards for Youth Sports Leagues: The "Safe Stars" Example in Tennessee

AUTHORS

Diamond AB , Dickinson R , Fiscus MD , Heitmann R , Radman M , . Clinical journal of sport medicine : official journal of the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine. ; 29(5). 398-405

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Discuss the implementation of the nation’s first statewide standardized youth sports safety program and review the current culture and status of youth sports which led to its development.

DESIGN: Descriptive.

SETTING: State of Tennessee.

INTERVENTIONS: The “Safe Stars” Initiative.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Provide a summary of the process of devising, developing, and deploying a set of evidence-based and best practice criteria to improve the health, safety, and well-being of youth athletes.

CONCLUSIONS: Safe Stars provides a structured opportunity for every child to play sports and develop successful habits and skills for life while safely doing so. We intend for this to serve as a roadmap for others to adopt and institute a statewide philosophy that emphasizes the importance of a safe, positive, and high-quality experience for children while holding their respective youth sports communities accountable for its achievement. Currently, very few leagues meet the recommended minimum standards of safety. Continued advancement of strategic partnerships as well as research into the program’s impact on sports participation, health, and safety will be some of the critical next steps in realizing the full value of this program.

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