Playing sports is a great way for kids to gain confidence, make friends and stay active — but it also comes with the chance of getting hurt. Every year, more than 3.5 million youth athletes under the age of 14 need medical treatment for sports injuries. The good news is that half of these injuries could be prevented with the right training and safety steps.
To help parents understand how to keep young athletes in the game, MU Health Care sports medicine specialists Clayton Nuelle, MD, and Brady Fleshman, MD, hosted a webinar covering the most common questions about preventing, treating and recovering from sports injuries.
This Q&A blog shares the doctors’ expert tips so you can help your child stay healthy, recover faster and enjoy sports for years to come.
Injury Prevention: Building Stronger, More Resilient Athletes
Q: Are there specific stretches or exercises that can help prevent common injuries?
Absolutely! There are general recommendations like strengthening the right muscles and improving flexibility. We use the Hip Myrtl Routine, which is a set of exercises that targets the hips and core. Research shows that core strengthening can lower the risk of lower body injuries by 39%. We also recommend the FIFA 11 Soccer Injury Prevention Program. This warm-up routine designed for soccer players has been proven to reduce ACL injuries by up to 52%. It includes strength, balance and agility drills to help protect athletes’ knees from serious injuries.
Q: Does injury prevention advice change with age?
Brady Fleshman, MD
Yes, it definitely does. A child’s body changes as they grow, and so do the types of injuries they’re most likely to face. For young kids aged 6-15, the biggest concern is growth plate injuries. Growth plates are soft areas at the ends of bones where growth happens. Since they’re the last part of the bone to harden, they’re more vulnerable to fractures. If kids are repeatedly stressing the same growth plate by playing one sport over and over, the risk of injury increases. That’s why exposing kids to different sports at a young age is so important — it gives their bodies a chance to recover and develop evenly. Studies show that overuse injuries and burnout are more common when kids specialize in one sport too early.
As kids get older and their growth plates start to close, they’re more prone to ligament and tendon injuries, like ACL tears and tendonitis. Strength training and proper conditioning become more important at this stage to protect those vulnerable areas. And even if your teen wants to focus on one sport, I still recommend they take time off between seasons to give their body a chance to rest and recover. When they’re going through growth spurts, their bodies are using more energy to grow bones, which means they have fewer resources for recovery — so rest and proper nutrition are essential.
The Role of Equipment in Injury Prevention
Q: Is there certain sports equipment that can help prevent injuries?
There is! The right gear can make a huge difference in keeping kids protected while they play. The first thing I recommend is a mouthguard. They are a must for contact sports like football, basketball and hockey. Athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries. Plus, some studies also suggest that wearing a mouthguard may reduce the risk of concussion by cushioning the impact to the jaw and head.
Next, make sure your child’s shoes fit well and provide proper support for the sport they’re playing. I always tell parents to check shoe sizing regularly — kids grow fast, and shoes that are too tight or too loose can lead to blisters, ankle sprains and long-term foot issues.
Finally, a well-fitted helmet. A properly fitted helmet can reduce concussion severity by up to 30%. To check the fit, lift the outer shell of the helmet slightly. If the padding is snug, your child’s forehead should move with it. If the helmet shifts or feels loose, adjust the straps or padding to get a secure fit.
Q: I saw an article about Q-Collars helping athletes avoid brain injuries. Should I consider one for my football player?
Right now, the science on Q-Collars is still developing. The FDA has authorized Q-Collars for reducing brain movement inside the skull, but there’s no solid evidence yet that they actually prevent concussions or traumatic brain injuries. It’s an area we’re still learning about, and more research is needed before we can make strong recommendations.
Avoiding Burnout: Pushing Too Far or Too Hard
Q: My child is stubborn and wants to push themselves too far. What advice can I give them?
It’s great when kids are motivated, but pushing too hard can lead to injuries that keep them out of the game longer. Athletes need to increase their strength, endurance and flexibility over time. Progressive conditioning helps prevent overuse injuries and improves performance in the long run.
Clayton Nuelle, MD
It’s also important for kids to listen to their bodies. Pain beyond normal muscle soreness is a warning sign. If your child feels sharp or persistent pain, they need to take a step back. Playing through pain increases the risk of more serious injuries, like stress fractures or ligament tears, that can have long-term effects.
Rest and recovery are just as important as training. Taking breaks isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s how the body rebuilds and gets stronger. Research shows that athletes who sleep less than 6 hours a night are 70% more likely to get injured. Lack of rest also increases the risk of burnout, which can lead kids to quit sports altogether.
Pushing too hard now can lead to chronic pain and lasting injuries that follow them into adulthood. Helping your child understand the balance between hard work and smart recovery is key to keeping them in the game for years to come.
Q: How can I tell the difference between my kid being sore and my kid actually being hurt?
It can be tough to know when a complaint is serious or just a reaction to a tough workout. Normal soreness after intense training is expected — it usually shows up within 24 hours and goes away after a day or two with rest. But pain that sticks around or feels sharp and persistent is a red flag. If the pain doesn’t improve with rest, it could be a sign of an injury that needs medical attention.
Swelling, limping or changes in movement are also signs that something more serious might be going on. If your child is favoring one side or having trouble walking, it’s time to get them checked out. This is especially true for knees — anytime a child has a swollen knee, they should be seen by a doctor. Knee swelling can indicate a more complex injury, like a ligament tear or joint issue, that requires proper treatment. When in doubt, it’s always better to play it safe and have a sports medicine specialist take a look.
Mental Support After Injury
Q: If my kid gets injured, how can I help them mentally cope?
Getting injured can be tough for young athletes — not just physically but emotionally too. I always tell parents to help their child see the injury as a temporary setback rather than a failure. Framing it as an opportunity to come back even stronger can help them stay motivated and focused on recovery. Staying positive is key, but it’s also important to set realistic goals. Small, achievable goals — like regaining strength or completing a rehab exercise — help build momentum and give kids a sense of progress.
Support from teammates, coaches and sports medicine professionals can also make a big difference. Being part of a team isn’t just about playing. It’s about connection and belonging. Keeping your child involved with their team, even if they can”t play, helps maintain that sense of community. Studies show that injured athletes are more likely to experience depression or anxiety, so staying socially connected and engaged can help protect their mental health. If you notice signs that your child is struggling emotionally, don’t hesitate to reach out for additional support.
When Healing Takes Longer Than Expected
Q: Are there red flags that an injury isn’t healing properly?
Yes, there are definitely signs that an injury might not be healing the way it should. If your child’s injury continues to swell or cause pain well after the expected healing time, that’s a red flag. Lingering pain or recurrent swelling often means that the tissue hasn’t fully healed or that there’s an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Another sign to watch for is limited movement. If your child can’t regain full mobility in the injured area even after they’ve had time to recover, it could indicate a deeper problem like joint damage or muscle weakness.
You should also be on the lookout for signs of compensatory injuries. When one part of the body is injured, kids naturally adjust their movement patterns to avoid pain. That can lead to overuse of other muscles or joints, which increases the risk of new injuries. For example, a child with a knee injury might start shifting more weight onto the other leg, which could cause strain or injury in the hip or ankle over time. If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to have your child evaluated by a sports medicine doctor. Catching and treating these problems early can prevent long-term damage and help your child get back to playing safely.
Q: Are there signs my child should stop playing a sport entirely due to recurrent injuries?
Deciding whether a child should stop playing a sport because of injuries is never easy — it really depends on the type, severity and frequency of the injuries. Every case is different. That’s why it’s important to look at the bigger picture and assess how often your child has been injured and how well they’ve recovered each time.
Concussions are one area where I tell parents to be especially cautious. There’s no magic number of concussions that automatically means a child should stop playing, but repeated head injuries can have serious, long-term effects on brain health. The key factors I consider are how often the concussions have happened, how severe they were and how long it took for your child to recover. If those patterns are concerning, it may be time to rethink the sport or adjust how they’re playing.
If you’re not sure what’s best, that’s where a sports medicine doctor can help. We can evaluate the injury history and determine whether it’s safe for them to keep playing or if modifications are needed to reduce the risk of future injuries. The goal is always to protect your child’s health while helping them stay as active as possible.
When to Consider Surgery
Q: How do I know if surgery is the right decision for my child’s injury?
Surgery is rarely the first option for sports injuries, especially in young athletes. Most injuries can be treated successfully with bracing, physical therapy and rehab, so those should always be tried first.
That said, if your child is dealing with chronic pain or limited movement that’s preventing them from participating in sports despite trying nonsurgical treatments, surgery may be necessary. Functional issues — like trouble running, jumping or pivoting — are often a bigger concern than pain alone.
Every injury is different, so it’s important to consult with a sports medicine specialist. We can assess the injury, evaluate how well nonsurgical treatments are working and help you decide if surgery is the best next step.
Keeping Young Athletes Healthy and Strong
Helping young athletes stay in the game isn’t just about preventing injuries — it’s about creating a balance between training, recovery and long-term health. By encouraging smart training habits, using the right equipment and recognizing when to seek medical care, parents can play a crucial role in their child’s athletic journey.
Stay Proactive and Informed
Keep an open dialogue with your child about their body and how they feel.
Encourage proper rest, hydration and nutrition to support recovery and performance.
Don’t ignore persistent pain — early intervention can prevent long-term problems.
For more expert advice, watch our Preventing Youth Athlete Injuries Webinar.
TEXARKANA, Texas — Last January, hundreds of kids packed into Pleasant Grove’s indoor athletic facilities, trading a cold Saturday morning for a shot to run drills with professionals, high school standouts and three siblings who grew up just down the road.
The Wacha Family All-Sports Camp is coming back to Texarkana on Jan. 10, and if last year’s turnout was any indication, this event has outgrown the label of just another fundraiser.
What started as a grassroots idea — three siblings offering a few hours of sports instruction to local youth — has grown into a major community effort. It now draws support from multiple school districts, professional athletes and a long list of volunteers who carve out time each winter to give something back.
Michael, Lucas and Brette Wacha, all former athletes at the college or professional level, lead the camp. Along with coaching support from schools like Texas High, Liberty-Eylau, Arkansas High, Pleasant Grove and others, the siblings will help kids rotate through stations in baseball, basketball, football, volleyball and soccer.
Last year’s event brought in more than 200 kids, despite freezing temperatures and widespread power outages across the region. The PG gym and indoor field stayed buzzing throughout the day, with Michael’s Kansas City Royals teammate and fellow pitcher Seth Lugo and former Liberty-Eylau and Boston Red Sox standout Will Middlebrooks among the guest coaches.
While the camp focuses on skills and fun, the bigger win is what happens off the field. Proceeds from the event go directly to the Salvation Army. In 2025, the camp and its banquet raised nearly $50,000, money that funds scholarships for those who can’t afford after-school care or summer programs.
According to the Salvation Army, the need is real. Most of the kids in the program rely on some form of financial assistance, and leaders say events like this help keep doors open and services running.
The camp’s impact also extends beyond youth athletics.
Last year, Texas A&M University-Texarkana joined as a partner, offering scholarships to students or returning adults who show a strong track record of community involvement. Two recipients shared their stories during the banquet, including one who had spent part of his childhood living in the local Salvation Army shelter.
The camp started as a way for the Wacha family to give back to their hometown. It’s grown each year with help from local coaches, athletes and volunteers, and organizers expect another strong turnout this January.
Wacha recognized for philanthropy
In June, Michael Wacha was named one of the 2025 season’s Most Valuable Philanthropists by the MLB Players Trust.
The award, given to six players throughout the season, honors those who showed a strong commitment to charitable work and positive social impact beyond the field. In recognition of Wacha’s efforts, the Players Trust awarded a $10,000 grant in his name to Make-A-Wish Missouri and Kansas.
Wacha has supported a range of charities during his career, with much of his focus on helping kids and families.
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(This article is part of a continuing series that will spotlight the Wacha Family and Friends All-Sports Camp before it returns in January.)
After initially suspending the case due to lack of evidence, Petaluma police arrested a suspect who was allegedly caught on video surveillance tracing racial slurs and swastikas onto the dusty windows of local youth mentor and former Harlem Globetrotter William Bullard’s SUV.
As KRON4 reports, the Petaluma Police Department reviewed a week’s work of surveillance footage from early December, which was obtained from the garage where Bullard’s SUV was parked, and identified Corey Newman, 20, of Petaluma, allegedly defacing Bullard’s windows.
As SFist previously reported, the police department initially dropped the case before reviewing the footage, claiming there wasn’t sufficient evidence. The case has since been reopened, per the Chronicle, likely due to Bullard’s posts about the incident, shared to his large following — not to mention the subsequent media coverage.
“I’m doing this for awareness. I’m doing this to educate people, and I’m trying to let them know don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself if something happens like this,” he said, per KGO earlier this month. “Like, what’s the worst thing that can happen? It can be ignored by the police, OK, but at least you spoke up.”
“The Petaluma Police Department takes all hate-related incidents seriously and remains fully committed to conducting thorough and impartial investigations,” said the police department in a press release. “Crimes motivated by bias have a profound impact not only on those directly affected, but also on the sense of safety and well-being of the entire community.”
Police arrested Newman during a traffic stop on Christmas Eve. He was booked into the Sonoma County Jail for the commission of a hate crime and vandalism, per KRON4.
Image: NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 19: William ‘Bull’ Bullard of The Harlem Globetrotters Ring The NASDAQ Closing Bell at NASDAQ MarketSite on December 19, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Steve Zak Photography/FilmMagic)
Previously:Hate on the Rise: Ex-Globetrotter’s SUV Defaced in Petaluma, San Jose Teens Form Human Swastika
Jewel Annette Devall Rodgers was born on September 29,1954 to Harman and Marcy Devall in Beeville, Tx. She entered Heaven’s gates on December 26, 2025, with her mother, sisters, and children by her side. She was 71 years old.
Jewel grew up in Pettus and attended school there, graduating in 1973. She married her High School Sweetheart, Robert Rodgers, on June 8, 1974. She, like both of her sisters, was an LVN, working in home health after years of working as an ER nurse. Jewel was also a licensed beautician. She took great pride in her family and loved staying involved in everything she could to spend time with her kids and grandkids. She was a fixture for years at her kids and later her grandkids’ sporting events, whether it be a youth sports organization, or her favorite team, the Pettus Eagles. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Pettus.
She loved camping and often shared her cherished memories of times spent at the lake in Mathis or from her times on the Frio River. There were trips to Louisiana and Cancun she spoke of often. It was time she spent with her entire family, often sharing her RV or renting a cabin, enjoying time away from reality as she called it with those she loved the most in life. You could always count on a game of dominoes or Yahtzee at her campsite, clean up to the time everyone else at the table either started cheating or conspired to keep her from winning. If nothing else, she always was competitive, even after she retired.
Jewel was someone who loved and truly valued each of her many friends that she made over the years. She held each of them close to her heart. She would do anything for anyone and give anything she had to anyone in need. Whether she had it to spare or not. She spent countless hours listening to and sharing with anyone who’d listen along with her, her music from the 60’s. It was nothing to have her ask you to download a certain song because she had someone on her heart and that song reminded her of that person. Music and the joy it brought her accompanied every memory she had with every single person she encountered in life.
She was preceded in death by Maternal grandparents Ray and Francis Crepps. Paternal grandparents Harman Leavette and Jewel Devall. Her Father, Harman Devall, her husband, Robert Rodgers, a granddaughter, Victoria Lyssy, and two grandsons, Gavin Rodgers and Richard Gomez III.
Left to cherish her memory are her mother Marcella Devall of Pettus, sister Carman (Johnny) Gisler of Pettus, sister Fran (Bobby) Pargmann of Pettus, daughter Shannon (John) Hodge of Pettus, son Robert (Jena) Rodgers of Beeville, and son Michael (Misty) Rodgers of Mineral. Grandchildren John Robert Hodge, Marcella Hodge (Shonn), Chris (Kristen) Lyssy, Maddisyn Rodgers, Robert Rodgers, Darryn Rodgers, Savannah Rodgers, Stephen Perez, Brandy (Kiara) Perez, Dara Gomez, and Krystal Gomez. Great Grandchildren Patton Lyssy, Hayden Lyssy, Kinsley Gomez and Richard “Little Pops” Gomez. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and her many friends she loved like family.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 from 10am until 11am at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Tx. A service will be held at the funeral home chapel beginning at 11am, with a graveside service to follow at the San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna. Pallbearers are John Robert Hodge, Robert Rodgers, Darryn Rodgers, Stephen Perez, Chris Lyssy, and Matt Helford.
will host youth swim lessons at various times Feb. 2-April 15, at the Bemidji State University pool in the Gillett Wellness Center, 1801 Birch Lane NE.
Lessons are scheduled for the following times:
Mondays/Wednesdays Feb. 2 – March 2
Level 1 swim classes will run from 6:15 to 6:50 p.m.
Level 2 swim classes will be held from 6:55 to 7:30 p.m.
There will be no class on Feb. 16 due to President’s Day.
Registration opens at 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 5.
Tuesdays/Thursdays Feb. 3 – Feb. 26
Level 3 swim classes are set for 6:15 to 6:50 p.m.
Level 4 and 5 swim classes will be held from 6:55 to 7:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 5.
Mondays/Wednesdays March 23 – April 15
Level 2 swim classes are set for 6:15 to 6:50 p.m.
Level 3 swim classes will be held 6:55 to 7:30 p.m.
Registration opens at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3.
The cost is $72 for the series. Class sizes are small with two instructors. No more than 8-9 participants age 5 and up are allowed in each level.
To register and for additional detailed information regarding each level, visit
www.ci.bemidji.mn.us.
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Tesoro Coach Steve Garrett and his players congratulate St. Anthony after the loss Saturday. (PHOTOS: TIm Burt, OC Sports Zone).
Tesoro’s boys basketball team has had a remarkable season so far with a 14-3 record.
But the Titans, coached by Steve Garrett, weren’t able to finish Saturday, losing to St. Anthony 64-55 in a second round game of the Ringo Bossenmeyer Holiday Classic at Tustin.
Tesoro had a six-game winning streak snapped.
To see additional photos, click on the first picture:
Tesoro players warm up before Saturday’s game.
St. Anthony players head to the sidelines during a timeout after a big run.
St. Anthony (2-0 in Pool A) appears headed to the championship game of the eight team tournament Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. vs. Servite. Tesoro dropped to 1-1 in pool play.
“We weren’t consistent enough to earn a win tonight, that’s the main thing,” said Tesoro Coach Steve Garrett, now in his 25th year as head coach. “There were four or five defensive possessions in a row where we didn’t stick to our principles, four or five possessions where we had good drives to the lane and didn’t take it up strong, we didn’t earn the fouls, didn’t finish.
“We went away from the defense, we got to earn wins and I just didn’t think we were consistent enough.”
Tesoro was led by sophomore Owen Hatch, who had 17 points and his brother Carson Hatch, a senior, who had 12 points.
Jamil House led St. Anthony (6-5) with a game-high 24 points and seven rebounds. House, the only Saint in double figures, had 18 of his points in the first half to help the Saints move out to a 22-16 halftime lead.
St. Anthony led by five points after three quarters. Owen Hatch made a 3-point play with 5:26 remaining before the Saints regained control and finished with a win.
“There was a stretch where we were down two and we have five of our seven possessions at the rim and I just thought they weak takes,” Garrett said. “You got to put pressure on the refs with a strong drive and finish the play and then the couple we missed, we missed our free throws. We were seven of 17 from the line, we should have gotten to the foul line at least 25 times, not because of the refs, but because of us, that’s a big factor.”
Max Draper and Dean Mika added nine points each for Tesoro.
“The kids are great, all these guys have literally played together since fourth grade,” Garrett said. “They all know each other, they’re extremely close, they count on each other for their success. Tonight, I just know we could have been overall a little bit more consistent when we needed to.”
Tesoro plays another pool play game Monday vs Beckman at 1:30 p.m.
VANCOUVER, Wash. – Lawmakers from the 18th Legislative District are taking steps to protect children in youth sports programs with new legislation.
House Bill 2180, sponsored by Rep. John Ley (R-Vancouver) and endorsed by Rep. Stephanie McClintock (R-Vancouver), would require youth sports organizations to conduct background checks via the Washington State Patrol. It also prohibits hiring anyone with convictions for crimes against children.
It also instructs the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to create mandatory training on reporting child abuse specifically for youth sports coaches.
Ley emphasized the importance of these measures, stating that the bill was prompted by a concerning incident.
“This legislation was prompted after concerned parents encountered a convicted sex offender who failed to disclose his conviction while seeking to coach their children,” said Ley. “By requiring background checks — paid for by the individual or organization — we give parents and program administrators better tools to protect kids.”
McClintock expressed her dedication to child safety, stating her support for the bill.
“Protecting kids will always be a top priority for me,” said McClintock. “As a mom, this legislation closes dangerous loopholes and helps ensure youth sports remain a safe environment for kids and families.”
Ley also extended gratitude to the community member who raised the issue.
“I also want to thank the constituent that brought this matter to our attention,” said Ley.
The 2026 legislative session is set to begin on Monday, Jan. 12.
Jewel Annette Devall Rodgers was born on September 29,1954 to Harman and Marcy Devall in Beeville, Tx. She entered Heaven’s gates on December 26, 2025, with her mother, sisters, and children by her side. She was 71 years old.
