Q: How did the idea of playing sports all year round evolve?

A: I think that over the years many people began to feel that in order to be competitive at the high school level, the athlete needs to participate in their respective sport most of the year.

Q: What are the effects of playing all year on the student athlete?

A: Playing all year has its pros and cons. On one hand they are getting the most practice that they can get. On the other hand I think many of these athletes are not getting an ‘off season’ to allow their bodies to take a break. I think that all athletes need breaks from their sports to allow their bodies to rest. If a person’s body does not get enough rest it begins to wear down. This is where injuries and illness come into play.

Q: What kinds of injuries are most common in student-athletes?

A: It depends on the sport that they are in. Most of my ‘overuse’ injuries are shin splints and even worse, stress fractures.

Q: What causes these?

A: Basically these are considered ‘overuse’ injuries. They are chronic in nature and happen over an extended period of time. Lack of rest may contribute towards these types of injuries.

Q: Which athletes need to be more wary of these types or injuries?

A: Most of the athletes prone to these are the ones who are running a lot in their sport. Not necessarily just cross country and track, but soccer and basketball as well. These athletes are more prone because they are usually running year round and the constant pounding on their legs takes a toll.

Q: What can be done to prevent them?

A: A way to help with these injuries would be to take some time off. Maybe even take time to do low impact type training. Examples would be swimming, biking, and even the elliptical.

Q: How long should breaks or rest periods be for student-athletes?

A: I think that the length of the break is individualized to each person.