Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys

The Dangers of Youth Rodeo

Youth rodeo is a popular sport in the United States, but it's also a dangerous one. In 2017, there were 1,300 youth rodeo injuries reported to the National High School Rodeo Association. Of those injuries, 100 were serious enough to require hospitalization.

The most common youth rodeo injuries are concussions, broken bones, and lacerations. However, more severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries, can also occur.

Why is Youth Rodeo So Dangerous?

There are several reasons why youth rodeo is so dangerous.

• First, the sport is inherently risky. Rodeo events involve riding animals that are often unpredictable and can easily injure a rider.
• Second, youth rodeo participants are often not as experienced as adult rodeo participants. They may not have the skills or the knowledge to safely participate in the sport.
• Third, youth rodeo participants may not have access to the same level of safety equipment as adult rodeo participants. They may not have helmets, vests, or other protective gear that can help to prevent injuries.

What Can Be Done to Make Youth Rodeo Safer?

There are several things that can be done to make youth rodeo safer, including:

• Requiring all youth rodeo participants to wear helmets and other safety equipment.
• Providing youth rodeo participants with more training and education about the sport.
• Limiting the number of events that youth rodeo participants can compete in each year.
• Banning certain events that are particularly dangerous for youth participants.
• Increasing the age at which youth participants can compete in certain events.