Atalanta's Pride Power Point

Dedicated to the Prevention of Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries Of Girls in K-12 Sports

Who was Atalanta?

Atalanta is one of the few mortal heroines in Greek Mythology.

She possessed great athletic prowess; she could run, hunt, shoot and wrestle almost as well—if not better—than any man. What she stood for guides our efforts now to stem the tide of the most dangerous and deadly injury plaguing girls in youth sports.

Concussion & Traumatic Brain Injuries suffered while competing.

Why Girls?

What have we learned?

FACT

• Girls have a much higher percentage of TBI then boys do in Ice Hockey, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball and Softball.

FACT

• Concussion Rates in Girls: Soccer is 2 times more then that of boys, 1.6 times higher in Basketball, and 2 times greater in Baseball/Softball.

Fact

• Girls are more likely to report injuries but the symptoms for girls with concussions versus boys do tend to be more subtle.

Fact

• At least 40% of Girls will return to play before the concussion has resolved itself.

Fact • Different Symptoms for Girls: Girls report Symptoms that are more likely to include Drowsiness and Sensitivity to Noise then boys who seem to display symptoms of disorientation, confusion, and amnesia.

Fact • Girls’ necks are not as muscular and therefore are not able to absorb and react to severe blows as well. The female brain therefore takes the shock from a blow much more severely.

FACT

• Girls tend to be less educated on the risk of concussion. This applies to athletes, coaches, and parents too!

There are Major Differences that impact Girls who get concussions and brain injuries while competing.

Girls Are Different • While almost all research and education on Concussions is based on data collected on boys, there are major differences. • Symptoms girls experience are different and knowing that is crucial.

Girls are known to play with a competitive instinct and will battle to succeed which exposes them to head injuries. The desire to not report an injury and appear strong and “play through the pain� is prevalent amongst girls. This is a very dangerous reality.

“Looks Can be Deceiving�

Traumatic Brain Injury suffered while competing in Sports can lead to life long problems. But those injuries and disabilities are usually unseen and invisible and therefore easily discounted as to their severity and how they are viewed.

Because of these Facts We Must Take Action BrainChampions.org one of America’s leading Brain Injury in youth sport advocacy groups, has brought forth the Atalanta’s Pride program.

The message is clear.

Girls are being hurt in record numbers.

Therefore the time for action is now! Tracy Yatsko will lead our efforts to create positive change.

Meet Our Program Director Ms. Tracy Yatsko; Former Athlete.

Now a Brain Injury Activist Tracy was injured while playing HS Basketball and has never fully recovered from her Concussion.

Seen here in one interview Tracy has been a tireless Champion and as Director will be a terrific modern day Atalanta!

About BrainChampions.org

BrainChampions is a group founded in 2008 by activist, Coach, Former athlete, and father of three Dirk Knudsen. This unique group was formed with 10 families who have all had youth athletes suffer severe injury or death related to their participation in sports.

Mission Statement: “The

prevention of and successful and careful management of concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries in youth sports.�

The Legacy of Change Begins Now • The Atalanta’s Pride Program starts now with all of us changing the way we do things.

• Here are a few highlights of what we are asking from our volunteers and the public.

Proposed Solutions • Make Use of the CDC Heads Up For Concussion Educational Materials.

• Get trained by watching any of the approved online educational videos and take the online quizzes.

Become Informed • Talk about the risks with your team openly . • Become knowledgeable about the unique things effecting girls in sports and take ownership of the issue.

Talk About It‌ • Talk to Parents and Coaches at your school and ask them if there is a good Concussion Management plan in place. What will your team or coach do if you or a teammate is hurt?

Self Report Injuries Commit to self reporting and to reporting team mates who are showing signs and discussing symptoms on and off the field/court.

Get Involved Now • Work within your community to educate and promote safe sports and sound concussion policies in your league and school districts.

Increase Standards of Care in Youth Sports • Help us raise the Standards of Care and expectations of our Coaches, Trainers, Administrators, and Parents too! • A standard of care is a medical or psychological treatment guideline, and can be general or specific. It specifies appropriate treatment based on scientific evidence and collaboration between medical and/or psychological professionals involved in the treatment of a given condition.

Sign Up at The Website • By signing up at the website you are agreeing that you are affiliating with Atalanta's Pride to do your best to further our efforts to prevent TBI's and Concussions.

• We will issue you a letter of Public Service and Community involvement that you can use on your resume for college or work now and in the future.

• By helping us you are helping to save lives and improve the life of athletes now an in the future and protect all of the things we love about sports.

www.AtalantasPride.com