A quick, painless, team-based movement screening
During the pre-season athletic combine, your child participates in a series of movement quality assessments -- hopping, squatting, jumping, balancing, and changing direction. These take approximately 20 minutes. There is no pain, no blood draw, no medical examination.
The screening is conducted alongside their teammates in a supportive, non-clinical environment. Every athlete on the team completes the same assessments. The goal is to identify movement patterns that increase injury risk -- and to address them before the season begins.
A personalized report within one week of the combine
What each tier means for your child, in plain language
Standard team warm-up. No concerns. Your child is moving well and will continue with the regular team protocol.
Targeted exercises added to warm-up. Very common -- typically 20-30% of all athletes. No restrictions on practice or games. This is a minor adjustment, not a concern.
Enhanced warm-up with additional targeted exercises. Monitoring throughout the season. Coach and athletic director aware. No automatic restrictions -- your child continues to practice and play.
Modified activities recommended. Re-screening in 2 weeks. You will be contacted directly by the athletic director. This does not mean your child is injured -- it means a biomechanical pattern needs professional attention.
Immediate professional evaluation recommended before return to full participation. Athletic director and administration notified. You will receive a detailed referral packet. This is rare.
Who sees your child's data, and who does not
Better Athlete works best when families reinforce good habits
8-10 hours per night for adolescents. Sleep deprivation is one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for youth sports injury. Consistent bedtime routines make a measurable difference.
Pre-practice and post-practice fueling matters. A balanced meal 2-3 hours before activity and a recovery snack within 30 minutes after practice supports tissue repair and energy restoration.
Consistent water intake throughout the day -- not just during practice. Dehydration impairs neuromuscular function and increases injury risk. Encourage a water bottle habit.
At least 1 full rest day per week. More is better during growth spurts. Overuse injuries are the most common preventable injury in youth sports. Rest is not weakness -- it is strategy.
Year-round, single-sport participation is a significant risk factor for overuse injury and burnout. Multi-sport athletes develop broader movement skills and have lower injury rates.
What parents typically want to know
What this means for your child and your school
Schools that adopt systematic injury prevention programs see 35-60% fewer non-contact injuries. Your child's school is investing in the most advanced youth athlete safety program available in New York City.
This is not just about preventing one injury. It is about building a culture where every student-athlete is screened, every risk is identified, and every warm-up is purposeful. Your child deserves that level of care.