The Brain on Youth Sports: The Science, the Myths, and the Future

A 2022 Choice Reviews Outstanding Academic Title

Dispels the myths surrounding head impacts in youth sports and empowers parents to make informed decisions about sports participation

＂They’re just little kids, they don’t hit that hard or that much.＂ ＂Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) only happens to former NFL players.＂ ＂Youth sports are safer than ever.＂ These are all myths which, if believed, put young, rapidly maturing brains at risk each season.

In The Brain on Youth Sports: The Science, the Myths, and the Future, Julie M. Stamm dissects the issue of repetitive brain trauma in youth sports and their health consequences, explaining the science behind impacts to the head in an easy-to-understand approach. Stamm counters the myths, weak arguments, and propaganda surrounding the youth sports industry, providing guidance for those deciding whether their child should play certain high-risk sports as well as for those hoping to make youth sports as safe as possible. Stamm, a former three-sport athlete herself, understands the many wonderful benefits that come from playing youth sports and believes all children should have the opportunity to compete--without the risk of long-term consequences.

Julie M. Stamm, PhD, is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She brings a unique perspective on the issues of repetitive head impacts in youth sports as a scientist and expert in the field, an anatomist, an athletic trainer, and a former athlete. She resides in Fitchburg, Wisconsin.