Competitive Athlete Training Zone Highlights Threat of Overuse Injury Epidemic Among Young Athletes; Offers Tips to Parents

In the face of a looming epidemic of overuse injuries among young athletes, CATZ -- Competitive Athlete Training Zone -- issued a warning to parents about the hidden risks of Summer Sports Camps.

Many parents fail to recognize that intensive sport-specific training puts their child at a greater risk of injury. CATZ provided tips to help parents ensure their young athletes remain injury-free during camp the summer. While intensive practice for soccer, basketball, hockey and other team sports can enhance performance and bring great success, it can also lead to trouble for a child's growing body.

"However talented a young athlete may be, his or her muscles, bones and joints are not fully developed," Jim Liston, founder of CATZ, explained.

With summer vacation only weeks away, Liston provided tips for parents with children getting ready for camp:

   * Explore a camper's typical day -- activities should be varied; all
     sports training should include strength, endurance, and flexibility
     training.
   * Ask questions about the training's focus and duration -- practicing a
     single sport for hours or days on end increases the risk of overuse
     injury.
   * Ensure the camp has water, sunscreen, and shade available to all
     athletes.
   * The camp should have an emergency plan that includes a cell phone on
     site with proper emergency numbers, ice and a first aid kit.
   * Determine if coaches are certified and how they are trained -- ensure
     the best background for a safe and secure summer.

"Too often, these growing young athletes are trained only in a single sport, focusing on specific skills and movement patterns while neglecting others. The risk of overuse injuries is far more prevalent than most parents think," Liston said.

A recent study by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found children ages 5 through 13 had the highest sports related injury rate of any age group, with 59.3 injuries per 1,000 people. Although the American College of Sports Medicine suggests that approximately 50 percent of overuse injuries sustained by youth athletes could be prevented if more emphasis was placed on the development of fundamental and fitness skills as opposed to sports-specific training, many kids enter summer sports programs that focus exclusively on one sport.

"Sports camps are the most obvious, but children are at risk at a variety of summer programs, including cheerleading and dance camp," Liston continued. "Constant repetition of a single activity or movement is simply not good for developing athletes. Parents should be aware of these risks and know what they can do to help avoid them."

About CATZ

CATZ -- Competitive Athlete Training Zone -- is recognized as the premier provider of sports performance training to developing athletes. CATZ has locations on both coasts of the US and is rapidly expanding nation-wide. Go to http://www.catzsports.com/ for more information.

Source: Competitive Athlete Training Zone

CONTACT: Josef Blumenfeld, +1-508-647-1598,
jblumenfeld@tradewindstrategies.com, for Competitive Athlete Training Zone

Web site: http://www.catzsports.com/