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Boxing participation by children and adolescents: A joint statement with the American Academy of Pediatrics

Laura K Purcell, Claire Ma Leblanc,

    Paediatrics & Child Health
    |January 2, 2013
    PubMed

    Insights

    Boxing poses significant risks of head and facial injuries, including concussions, for young participants. Leading pediatric organizations recommend opposing youth boxing due to these dangers.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Sports Medicine
    • Neurology

    Background:

    • Thousands of children and adolescents participate in boxing in North America.
    • While boxing offers benefits like exercise and self-discipline, it inherently involves deliberate head and face blows.
    • This practice places young athletes at risk for various head, face, and neck injuries.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To highlight the risks associated with youth boxing.
    • To inform about the stance of major pediatric organizations on the sport.
    • To advocate for safer alternatives for young athletes.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of existing literature and recommendations from pediatric health organizations.
    • Analysis of injury risks inherent in the sport of boxing.
    • Examination of expert opinions on youth participation in boxing.

    Main Results:

    • Boxing participation among youth is widespread.
    • The sport carries a high risk of head, face, and neck injuries, with concussions being common.
    • Serious and potentially fatal neurological injuries are a concern.

    Conclusions:

    • The Canadian Paediatric Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly oppose boxing for children and adolescents.
    • Physicians are advised to discourage youth participation in boxing.
    • Promotion of alternative sports that do not center on intentional head trauma is recommended.

    Keywords:
    AdolescentsBoxingChildrenChronic traumatic brain injuryChronic traumatic encephalopathyConcussionHead injuriesYouth

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