Local Youth Football Association Using Cutting Edge Tech

A local youth football organization, Tri-County Sharks has added new technology to their safety protocols to help diagnose concussions on the sidelines. The tech is in the form of an app on your smartphone or tablet that compares the baseline test with the re-test after a hit. This allows coaches, medics, and parents have real time information regarding a child who has experienced a questionable or hard hit.

Originally a concept between a football dad and an ER physician, the app has been through beta testing and evolved into the app that is in use today. The participant takes a baseline test with coaches, parents, and administrators having access to that test. They also have access to the re-test after a hit so that parents can show their physicians the differences between the two to help diagnose concussions and return to play protocols.

The assessment is comprised of nine video game-inspired tests that measure neurological functions commonly affected by concussions, such as short term memory, balance, coordination, visual memory, impulse control, long term memory, reaction time, problem solving and color recognition.

The Sharks are keeping their commitment to being the safest youth tackle football and youth cheer program in the tri-county area. Their use of 5 star safety rates helmets, Xenith X2 and X2e (rated by Virginia Tech), carbon fiber pads with low profile shoulders for full range of motion and no blind spots, Seahawk tackling technique (heads OUT football), and Hitcheck help them maintain that goal.

If you are interested in seeing the app and testing it out, the Sharks can be found at Ann Soldo Elementary School, 1140 Menasco Drive, Watsonville, every Monday thru Friday from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. They have just started practicing for their 2017 season and still looking for kids who want to participate. If you have any questions, please call Shark President, Shannon Candelario at (831) 539-6793.