Coaches and their coaching styles can play a big role in how their athletes practice safe habits when competing and perceive safety in their sports.

By: Jordan Vargas

A common question asked when it comes to action sports is, “Are these sports too dangerous?”  Whether its skateboarding, mixed martial arts, or football, there has always been a social concern around the risks associated with action sports.  There are many instances when these concerns are overlooked, as some may be thrill seekers or consider it to be their passion.

As the popularity of this genre of sports continues to grow today so does this ongoing concern.  The skepticism is justified in a 2015 study published in the Orthopedic Journal of Sports, where five medical professors conducted a study that showed how dangerous these sports were.  They found that of the total 4,083,691 action sports injuries reported between 2000 to 2011, 460,115 of them were either head or neck injuries.  Within that total number of head/neck injuries, 381,760 were to the head while 78,355 were to the neck with the most common injuries ranging from a mild concussion or a contusion/abrasion to something as extreme as death.

Head and neck damage can leave a lasting effect on an athlete.  The injury rates in these sports to these areas of the body continue to rise annually, per Dr. Vani J. Sabesan, an orthopedic specialist.  In an interview Sabesan did for an article with The New York Times, she emphasizes the long-term consequences these injuries may have and the potential to develop several symptoms whether it is consistent headaches to something as serious as chronic depression or paralysis.

However, there is also a lot of good that can come from playing an action sport.  In a study published in the Journal of Health and Psychology by two sports psychology specialists, Dr. Eric Brymer and Robert Schweitzer, they found that participating in an action sport can help one face fears with confidence, reach higher levels of concentration and achieve a greater understanding of self.  Thirteen-year-old X Games skater, Jett Eaton, is one of many action sport athletes that help to prove these findings credible.  In an article done in 2015 by The New York Times that features Jett, both he and his father, Geoff, emphasize that skateboarding has positively affected Jettʻs life in many ways.  Geoff mentions in this article that skateboarding has helped his son find an identity/passion, create a tight group of quality friends, and has motivated Jett to be the best he can in all aspects of life.