Kids' running injuries merit attention

I read with interest the article "Study: Kids' running-related injuries on rise" [News, Jan. 30]. I take exception to the study's recommendation that "age-specific guidelines are needed for pediatric runners so that parents, coaches, and physical education teachers can teach children the proper way to run in order to reduce the risk of injury."

As a physical educator with more than 33 years of experience, I can assure readers that all properly certified physical education teachers have already been educated regarding the proper techniques to teach children to run.

The article fails to distinguish between injuries that occur in physical education class and recess, nor does it distinguish between community sport activities and those supervised by a certified coach.

In my experience, most injuries in elementary school take place in a venue other than the gymnasium. Recess accounts for a large percentage. During class, physical educators are constantly on the lookout for potential crashes or falls and look to be proactive to prevent injuries.

As a result of this study, I would encourage all physical educators to reflect on their teaching and make adjustments as needed. I would also encourage them to actively assess students' abilities and communicate strengths and weaknesses to parents.

Mary Lou Assante

Connetquot

Editor's note: The writer is the director of health, physical education and athletics for the Connetquot school district.