National Youth Sports Safety Month is observed in April to bring much-needed awareness to sports injuries and physical trauma encumbered upon the youths. Intending to promote safety at the playground, the observation promotes the collective measures that the parents, coaches, and kids on the playfield can take to ensure safe outdoor engagements every day. It is the initiative of Massachusetts native Rita Glassman, who sought inspiration from her injured daughter to dedicate a month to propagate the merits of ensuring children’s safety on the playing field and beyond.
History of National Youth Sports Safety Month
National Youth Sports Safety Month is observed in April. Sports should be a part of every kid’s life. Although its importance cannot be understated, most parents and coaches fail to acknowledge the strenuous toll that sports can take on a child. More than a million kids are rushed to the emergency room for sports-related injuries every year, and 90% of students admitted to suffering injuries while playing a sport. Most of these injuries can take a serious turn, and while no one can admit to being casual on the field, a majority of participants miss out on some serious precautions that can minimize injuries. Heat, exhaustion, over-enthusiasm, and strenuous activities are some of the reasons why students suffer serious injuries on the field.
Such was the fate of Michelle Glassman — a sophomore who suffered a severe back injury in the late 1990s after a stretched session at the tennis court. Consequently, the injury took a turn for the worse, and she had to give up her tennis career. Upset and shocked by the circumstances of her daughter, Rita Glassman founded the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation in 1989 to raise awareness about the widely ignored crisis of youth sports injuries in America. The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation believes that childhood injuries are mostly the fault of adults, although kids suffer the most. Injuries transcend beyond the physical realm and can manifest emotionally as well.
Since 2001, the non-profit observes the month of April as National Youth Sports Safety Month. Through the observance, the foundation organizes month-long education camps, seminars, and summits to educate the public regarding the importance of maintaining safety on the field. The month also encourages caregivers to instill sportsmanship and cooperation in the field.
National Youth Sports Safety Month timeline
New York City introduces a competitive championship through the Public Schools Athletic League.
Little League Baseball is established in Pennslyvania to organize local youth softball and baseball and softball leagues across the country.
The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation is formed by Rita Glassman to raise awareness about the prevention of youth sports injuries.
Glassman formally establishes the month of April as National Youth Sports Safety Month.
Learn to Ride a Bike Day FAQs
Is it possible to learn to ride a bike in a single day?
Bicycle riding is a process that involves practice and patience. The first day of riding may not be perfect, but with consistent practice, you will get there. You’ll be pedaling in no time at all when it all comes together.
Is it necessary for a beginner cyclist to cycle every day?
Every two or three days, you should be riding your bike, even if it’s only a quick turbo trainer workout, to keep advancing and improve your fitness. To observe meaningful improvements in fitness, three rides per week is the bare minimum.
Is cycling as effective as running?
It depends on the intensity and duration of your workout. Running employs more muscles than cycling, therefore it typically burns more calories. Cycling, on the other hand, is less taxing on the body, and you may be able to perform it longer or faster than running.
How to Observe National Youth Sports Safety Month
Sign up for lessons
As a beginner, you do not have to learn how to ride a bike alone. You can sign up for lessons with other people and learn together; that makes it very fun for you and you get to make new friends.
Teach someone to ride a bike
The best thing about bikes is there is no age limit to riding a bike so you can teach a child or even an adult how to ride a bike. If you have been riding a bike for a long time, you can teach other people but make sure they wear the safety gear and use training wheels.
Spread the word
If you don’t have anyone to teach or you don’t know anyone that wants to learn, you can always spread the word. There is no age limit to learn so you can always remind people, online and offline, that they can always learn how to ride a bike.
5 Interesting Facts About Bicycles
A social activity
You get to experience the thrill of adventure with other bicyclists who have a shared passion for the outdoors.
Biking is inexpensive
Compared to a car, maintaining a bicycle is 20 times less expensive.
Delivery services
Bicycle delivery services have grown into a significant sector, particularly in urban areas where couriers have built a solid reputation for their lightning-fast speeds and ability to maneuver through traffic.
Bicycle clubs in America
Over 400 cycling clubs exist in the United States, ranging in size from 10 to 4,000 people.
Gas saved
In the United States, bicycles currently displace more than 238 million gallons of gas each year by replacing vehicle journeys with bicycle journeys.
Why National Youth Sports Safety Month is Important
It fits into everyday routine
Bicycling is a convenient mode of transportation that can easily be incorporated into your everyday routine. Cycling to school, work, and even running errands is possible with a bike.
Benefits of cycling
Stroke, heart attack, some malignancies, depression, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis are just a few of the ailments that can be prevented by regular cycling. Being on the bike is mostly an aerobic activity, which means that it works your heart, lungs, and circulatory system all at the same time.
It’s for everyone
Everyone of any age can benefit from the low-impact, high-reward experience of biking. It's a skill that, once mastered, you'll never lose.
Learn to Ride a Bike Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 1 | Monday |
| 2024 | May 1 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 1 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 1 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 1 | Saturday |
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