A Comparison of Team Sport Volume Surveyed Between High School and Club Sport Coaches

Background: Club sport participation is increasingly common among high school athletes. Sport participation characteristics may vary widely between the high school and club sport settings. However, there have been no large-scale comparisons of sport participation volume between high school and club teams from similar sports. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare the sport participation characteristics of high school and high school–aged club teams. We hypothesized that club team athletes would participate in more months per year and hours per week and would take more overnight trips than high school athletes and that club team coaches would be less likely to track their athletes’ sport volume than high school coaches. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of 769 coaches (266 female; 34.6%) from 3 sports (basketball, volleyball, soccer) completed an anonymous online questionnaire regarding their team’s sport volume and their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding sport specialization. Coaches were eligible to participate if they had served as the head or assistant coach of a high school sport team or high school–aged club sport team in the past 12 months. Results: Overall, 64.6% (n = 497) were coaches of a high school team, and 35.4% (n = 272) were coaches of a club team with high school–aged athletes. Club coaches’ teams played more months out of the year and took more overnight trips for competitions than high school coaches’ teams but participated in fewer hours per week of practices or competitions during their season. There were no differences between club and high school coaches in tracking their athletes’ sport volume, with most coaches in both settings reporting that they do not track the amount of time that their athletes participate in other sports. Conclusion: Significant differences in sport participation volume exist between the teams of high school and club coaches.

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Knowledge of Concussion and Reporting Behaviors in High School Athletes With or Without Access to an Athletic Trainer

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-52.1.07 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 52 (3) ◽

pp. 228-235 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Jessica Wallace ◽

Tracey Covassin ◽

Sally Nogle ◽

Daniel Gould ◽

Jeffrey Kovan

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

Sport Participation ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Medical Professional ◽

Athletic Trainer ◽

High School Athletes ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Reporting Behaviors ◽

Concussion Knowledge

Context: Increased sport participation and sport-related concussion incidence has led to an emphasis on having an appropriate medical professional available to high school athletes. The medical professional best suited to provide medical care to high school athletes is a certified athletic trainer (AT). Access to an AT may influence the reporting of sport-related concussion in the high school athletic population; however, little is known about how the presence of an AT affects concussion knowledge, prevention, and recognition. Objective: To evaluate knowledge of concussion and reporting behaviors in high school athletes who did or did not have access to an AT. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Survey. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 438 athletes with access to an AT and 277 without access to an AT. Intervention(s): A validated knowledge-of-concussion survey consisting of 83 items addressing concussion history, concussion knowledge, scenario questions, signs and symptoms of a concussion, and reasons why an athlete would not report a concussion. The independent variable was access to an AT. Main Outcome Measure(s): We examined the proportion of athletes who correctly identified knowledge of concussion, signs and symptoms of concussion, and reasons why high school student-athletes would not disclose a potential concussive injury by access to an AT. Frequency statistics, χ2 tests, independent t tests, and linear regression were conducted to analyze the data. Results: The underreporting of concussion among high school athletes was 55%. Athletes with access to an AT had more knowledge of concussion than did athletes without such access (P ≤ .001). Chi-square tests did not demonstrate a significant relationship between AT access and a higher percentage reporting concussions. Conclusions: High school athletes with access to an AT had more concussion knowledge, but they did not report suspected concussions to an authority figure more frequently than athletes without access to an AT.

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Association of Competition Volume, Club Sports, and Sport Specialization With Sex and Lower Extremity Injury History in High School Athletes

Sports Health A Multidisciplinary Approach ◽

10.1177/1941738117714160 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 518-523 ◽

Cited By ~ 49

Author(s):

Eric G. Post ◽

David R. Bell ◽

Stephanie M. Trigsted ◽

Adam Y. Pfaller ◽

Scott J. Hetzel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

Lower Extremity ◽

Sport Participation ◽

Lower Extremity Injury ◽

Extremity Injury ◽

High School Athletes ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Increased Risk ◽

History Of ◽

Club Sport

Background: High school athletes are increasingly encouraged to participate in 1 sport year-round to increase their sport skills. However, no study has examined the association of competition volume, club sport participation, and sport specialization with sex and lower extremity injury (LEI) in a large sample of high school athletes. Hypothesis: Increased competition volume, participating on a club team outside of school sports, and high levels of specialization will all be associated with a history of LEI. Girls will be more likely to engage in higher competition volume, participate on a club team, and be classified as highly specialized. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: High school athletes completed a questionnaire prior to the start of their competitive season regarding their sport participation and previous injury history. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to investigate associations of competition volume, club sport participation, and sport specialization with history of LEI, adjusting for sex. Results: A cohort of 1544 high school athletes (780 girls; grades 9-12) from 29 high schools completed the questionnaire. Girls were more likely to participate at high competition volume (23.2% vs 11.0%, χ2 = 84.7, P < 0.001), participate on a club team (61.2% vs 37.2%, χ2 = 88.3, P < 0.001), and be highly specialized (16.4% vs 10.4%, χ2 = 19.7, P < 0.001). Athletes with high competition volume, who participated in a club sport, or who were highly specialized had greater odds of reporting a previous LEI than those with low competition volume (odds ratio [OR], 2.08; 95% CI, 1.55-2.80; P < 0.001), no club sport participation (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.20-1.88; P < 0.001), or low specialization (OR, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.88-3.54; P < 0.001), even after adjusting for sex. Conclusion: Participating in high sport volume, on a club team, or being highly specialized was associated with history of LEI. Girls were more likely to participate at high volumes, be active on club teams, or be highly specialized, potentially placing them at increased risk of injury. Clinical Relevance: Youth athletes, parents, and clinicians should be aware of the potential risks of intense, year-round participation in organized sports.

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Exploring Coaches' Perceptions of Youth Sport Specialization: A Comparison of High School and Club Sport Contexts

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-409-18 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 54 (10) ◽

pp. 1055-1060 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Justin S. DiSanti ◽

Eric G. Post ◽

David R. Bell ◽

Daniel A. Schaefer ◽

M. Alison Brooks ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

Injury Risk ◽

Youth Sport ◽

Background Information ◽

Regression Equations ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High School Coaches ◽

Sport Coaches ◽

Club Sport

Context Previous researchers have identified sport specialization as being associated with various negative outcomes (eg, overuse injuries and adverse psychosocial outcomes). However, little is known regarding how the underlying attitudes, beliefs, and values of sport stakeholders may be shaping this trend. Objective To examine the perceptions of coaches in the high school versus club sport setting and compare their attitudes and behaviors toward sport specialization. Design Cross-sectional survey. Patients or Other Participants A total of 769 coaches (497 high school coaches, 272 club sport coaches). Main Outcome Measure(s) Participants completed a novel measure that surveyed their perceptions regarding various aspects of youth sport specialization. Additionally, each coach completed a questionnaire detailing his or her relevant demographic and sport background information. Results High school coaches and club sport coaches differed in their perceptions of sport specialization (t767 = 1.41, P < .001); club coaches (2.43 ± 0.25) were more likely than high school coaches (2.31 ± 0.21) to rate specialization as a positive, adaptive practice. The multiple linear regression equations for both the high school and club coaches indicated that no educational, experiential, or demographic factors predicted coaches' perceptions of specialization (P values > .05). Conclusions Club sport coaches were more likely to possess attitudes in favor of sport specialization. Additionally, coaches' background characteristics did not predict their perceptions of specialization, suggesting that the competitive context itself (high school versus club) may be the most salient influencer of these perceptions. Athletes and sports medicine practitioners should be aware of the heightened expectation of specialized participation and resulting increased injury risk in these contexts. Pediatric sport researchers and practitioners should continue to explore how these different group perceptions manifest in participation behaviors and may link to overall athlete health, wellbeing, and development.

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Knowledge, Attitude, and Concussion-Reporting Behaviors Among High School Athletes: A Preliminary Study

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-48.3.20 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 48 (5) ◽

pp. 645-653 ◽

Cited By ~ 231

Author(s):

Johna K. Register-Mihalik ◽

Kevin M. Guskiewicz ◽

Tamara C. Valovich McLeod ◽

Laura A. Linnan ◽

Frederick O. Mueller ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

Standard Deviation ◽

Brain Injuries ◽

Prevalence Ratio ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

High School Athletes ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Reporting Behaviors ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

Concussive Injury

Context: Many athletes continue to participate in practices and games while experiencing concussion-related symptoms, potentially predisposing them to subsequent and more complicated brain injuries. Limited evidence exists about factors that may influence concussion-reporting behaviors. Objective: To examine the influence of knowledge and attitude on concussion-reporting behaviors in a sample of high school athletes. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Participants completed a validated survey instrument via mail. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 167 high school athletes (97 males, 55 females, 5 sex not indicated; age = 15.7 ± 1.4 years) participating in football, soccer, lacrosse, or cheerleading. Intervention(s): Athlete knowledge and attitude scores served as separate predictor variables. Main Outcome Measure(s): We examined the proportion of athletes who reported continuing to participate in games and practices while symptomatic from possible concussion and the self-reported proportion of recalled concussion and bell-ringer events disclosed after possible concussive injury. Results: Only 40% of concussion events and 13% of bell-ringer recalled events in the sample were disclosed after possible concussive injury. Increased athlete knowledge of concussion topics (increase of 1 standard deviation = 2.8 points) was associated with increased reporting prevalence of concussion and bell-ringer events occurring in practice (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.60, 3.21) and the reporting prevalence of bell-ringer-only events overall (PR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.38, 2.54). Athlete attitude scores (increase of 1 standard deviation = 11.5 points) were associated with decreases in the proportion of athletes stating they participated in games (PR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.66, 0.82) and practices (PR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.59, 0.77) while symptomatic from concussions. Conclusions: Most recalled concussion events in our study were not reported to a supervising adult. Clinicians should be aware that knowledge and attitude influence concussion reporting. Clinicians and administrators should make concussion education a priority and encourage an optimal reporting environment to better manage and prevent concussive injuries in young athletes.

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High School Athletes' Parents' Perceptions and Knowledge of the Skills and Job Requirements of the Certified Athletic Trainer

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-51.1.11 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 50 (12) ◽

pp. 1286-1291 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Rachel L. Weitzel ◽

Michael G. Miller ◽

Erin R. Giannotta ◽

Catherine J. Newman

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

Secondary School ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Athletic Trainer ◽

High School Athletes ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Certified Athletic Trainers ◽

Job Requirements ◽

Certified Athletic Trainer

Context Parents play a crucial role in determining medical services for their children, and it is important they understand the scope of practice and skills of the athletic trainer (AT). Objective To understand parents' perceptions and knowledge of the skills and job requirements of the secondary school AT. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Sport meetings and banquets at 5 high schools in southwest Michigan during the fall, winter, and spring seasons. Patients or Other Participants A total of 539 parents whose children competed in at least 1 high school sport participated. Data Collection and Analysis A Parents' Perceptions and Knowledge of Certified Athletic Trainers Survey consisting of 32 questions, divided into 3 sections (demographics, perceptions, and knowledge), was developed and given to parents of high school athletes. One-way analyses of variance were used to determine significance among 3 categories of experience and perception and knowledge of ATs. Results Of the 539 parents who responded, 28% responded yes, and 72% responded no to having experience with an AT for their own injuries. When asked if they had experience with an AT due to their child's injuries, 60% responded yes. We found a difference among the 3 categories of experience for perception scores (P = .002) and knowledge scores (P < .001). Conclusions In the absence of past experience with an AT, parents' perceptions and knowledge of the skills and job requirements of the secondary school AT are limited. Athletic trainers should educate parents on their professional roles, which may enhance their ability to provide better health care.

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Sport Specialization, Club Sport Participation, Quality of Life, and Injury History Among High School Athletes

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-361-18 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 54 (10) ◽

pp. 1061-1066 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Katherine Dahab ◽

Morgan N. Potter ◽

Aaron Provance ◽

Jay Albright ◽

David R. Howell

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

High School ◽

Injury Risk ◽

Sport Participation ◽

Outcome Measurement ◽

High School Athletes ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Club Sports ◽

Club Sport

Context Many factors can affect the injury risk and quality of life among high school athletes. Early sport specialization and club sport participation may be components to consider when assessing the injury risk and quality of life. Objective To investigate patient-reported quality-of-life and injury-history measures among adolescent athletes at different sport-specialization levels and to compare these measures between those who did and those who did not report participating in club sports. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting High school athletic facility. Patients or Other Participants High school student athletes 13 to 18 years of age were recruited and tested during their annual preseason athletic physical examinations. Main Outcome Measure(s) Our primary grouping variables were sport-specialization level (classified as low, moderate, or high) and club sport participation (organized sport outside of traditional school athletics). Our outcome variables were the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Pediatric Profile-37 rating, Severity Measure for Depression–Child score, and injury history. Results A total of 97 individuals participated (mean age = 15.2 ± 1.1 years; 38% female). Relatively similar proportions of individuals reported participating at each level of sport specialization (low = 34%, moderate = 40%, high = 26%). Forty-six (48%) participants stated they participated in club sports. No differences were evident in quality of life (P values = .15–.92 across domains), depression (P = .60), or injury history (P > .70) among the specialization groups. Those who described participating in club sports had a higher proportion of time-loss musculoskeletal injuries (63% versus 29%; P = .002) and of injuries requiring imaging, injection, a cast, a brace, or crutches (72% versus 46%; P = .013) than those who did not. Conclusions Although no injury-history differences were found among the sport-specialization groups, a higher proportion of club sport athletes than nonclub sport athletes reported a history of injury. Club sports are generally seen as more competitive, and the higher number of injuries seen in this setting could be related to a higher level of play among club sport athletes.

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A Comparison of Emergency Preparedness Between High School Coaches and Club Sport Coaches

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-207-18 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 54 (10) ◽

pp. 1074-1082 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Eric G. Post ◽

Daniel A. Schaefer ◽

Kevin M. Biese ◽

Lisa A. Cadmus-Bertram ◽

Andrew M. Watson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽

Emergency Preparedness ◽

First Aid ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

High School Coaches ◽

Sport Teams ◽

Sport Coaches ◽

And Training ◽

Club Sport

Context Recent studies suggested that a large population of high school-aged athletes participate on club sport teams. Despite attempts to document emergency preparedness in high school athletics, the adherence to emergency and medical coverage standards among club sport teams is unknown. Objective To determine if differences in emergency preparedness and training existed between coaches of high school teams and coaches of high school-aged club teams. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Online questionnaire. Patients or Other Participants A total of 769 coaches (females = 266, 34.6%) completed an anonymous online questionnaire regarding their emergency preparedness and training. Main Outcome Measure(s) The questionnaire consisted of (1) demographics and team information, (2) emergency preparedness factors (automated external defibrillator [AED] availability, emergency action plan [EAP] awareness, medical coverage), and (3) emergency training requirements (cardiopulmonary resuscitation/AED, first aid). Results High school coaches were more likely than club sport coaches to be aware of the EAP for their practice venue (83.9% versus 54.4%, P < .001), but most coaches in both categories had not practiced their EAP in the past 12 months (70.0% versus 68.9%, P = .54). High school coaches were more likely to be made aware of the EAP during competitions (47.5% versus 37.1%, P = .02), but the majority of coaches in both categories indicated that they were never made aware of EAPs. High school coaches were more likely than club coaches to (1) have an AED available at practice (87.9% versus 58.8%, P < .001), (2) report that athletic trainers were responsible for medical care at practices (31.2% versus 8.8%, P < .001) and competitions (57.9% versus 31.2%, P < .001), and (3) be required to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation, AED, or first-aid training (P < .001). Conclusions High school coaches displayed much greater levels of emergency preparedness and training than coaches of high school-aged club teams. Significant attention and effort may be needed to address the lack of emergency preparedness and training observed in club coaches.

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