The brain on youth sports : the science, the myths, and the future / Julie M. Stamm, PhD.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Preface : why I wrote this book -- Part 1. Youth sports: the wins and the losses : Why we should care about repetitive brain trauma in youth sports -- How youth sports can provide a lifetime of benefits -- Why sports culture needs a transformation -- Part 2. The science: what we know about repetitive brain trauma in sports : Why kids really do hit that hard -- Why the young brain is vulnerable -- Why it's not all about concussions -- Why head impacts in youth sports may be disrupting brain development -- Why CTE is more than an NFL problem, and what it means for youth sports -- Part 3. Bad arguments for maintaining the status quo in youth contact sports : Why the argument that "other sports are dangerous too" is a bad one -- Why helmets and other technology won't solve the problem -- Why "safer than ever" may not be safe enough -- Why you don't have to hit at a young age to be a superstar -- Why the benefits of sports can be gained without repetitive brain trauma -- Part 4. The future of youth contact sports : How we can change contact sports to protect children's brains -- What families and athletes can do to stay safe in youth sports -- What you can do to improve the safety of youth sports in your community -- Conclusion : how much do we have to know and how bad do the risks have to be?

"This book dispels myths about head impacts in youth sports, potential consequences of these collisions, and the changes sports organizations have made to make these sports "safer than ever." It will empower parents and athletes to make an informed decision on sports participation and provide recommendations on how to make these sports safer"-- Provided by publisher.