Keep sports fun, keep kids playing

“I think it is quite timely with the obesity epidemic and lack of PE in schools to highlight how important physical activity is for children, and organized sports is one of the ways to accomplish that,” Andrew Gregory, MD, said in an interview.

“I think the summary of both benefits and risks is well informed and complete,” he said.

However, “I think most pediatricians and parents are aware of the physical benefits of exercise, but many may be unaware of the psychological and social benefits,” Dr. Gregory noted. “It is also important that parents and coaches understand that bullying and hazing have no place in organized sports and should not be tolerated.”

“I think the most important thing for clinicians to pass on is that the benefits of organized sports far outweigh the risks,” he said. The challenge is, “How do we better incorporate organized sports into schools and community organizations so that more children have access?”

Dr. Gregory is an associate professor of orthopaedics, neurosurgery & pediatrics at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., and serves as codirector of the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center. He had no financial conflicts to disclose.