Nationwide Children's Sports Medicine is a team of experts who specialize in the treatment and prevention of injuries unique to the student athlete. Your young athlete requires specialized care. Here’s why:

1. Children have growth plates, so proper diagnosis and prompt treatment are critical to preventing long-term side effects.
2. In young athletes, ligaments tend to be stronger than bones. This can predispose kids to certain types of fractures that do not happen to older athletes.
3. Kids experience periods of rapid growth. Related to this, we see conditions unique to younger athletes.
4. The psychology of the young athlete is unique. We know kids — what they think, how they feel, and what they need. The athletes' state of mind is as important as their level of fitness and skill.

Our staff of doctors, athletic trainers and physical therapists are trained to provide age-appropriate care for our patients. We emphasize the importance of early injury recognition and treatment in order to prevent recurring injuries. In addition to treatment, we partner with parents and coaches to focus on injury prevention, conditioning and age-appropriate activities.

To learn more about Nationwide Children's Sports Medicine, click the links below:

• Learn about our Personal Best Injury Prevention Programs and upcoming classes
• View our online sports medicine library
• Learn more about our reference cards for coaches and trainers
• Read our News & Highlights
• View photos of our new facility

Nationwide Children's Sports Medicine staff partners with parents and coaches to focus on injury prevention, conditioning and age-appropriate activities. We have compiled sport-specific information as well as general resources to help young athletes and the people who provide their training. In addition to the information on this page, browse our articles or find the answer to a frequently asked question.

Baseball Basketball Cheerleading Cross Country Dance Field Hockey Football Golf Gymnastics

Ice Hockey Lacrosse Soccer Softball Swimming Tennis Track & Field Volleyball Wrestling

Nationwide Children's Sports Medicine athletic training staff is available to come to meetings and provide information to parents, coaches and players on a variety of health-related topics. These topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Sports nutrition
• Injury prevention
• Ice vs. Heat
• Common sports injuries
• Immediate injury care
• Emergency care
• Concussions
• Cross training adolescents
• Caring for "at risk" athletes
• Environmental conditions
• Strength training on a budget
• When is an injury really an injury
• How to make good injury decisions on the field

These presentations can range from 15 minutes to one hour based on your needs. We can also customize a presentation based on the needs of your team.

These educational sessions are free of charge. Please contact Kerry Waple at (614) 355-6013 or submit an online request for further information.

Education Classes

Nationwide Children's also offers community classes for parents and kids. Register online for First Aid, CPR or view a complete listing.

First Aid training for coaches: Find a Class | Frequently Asked Questions

First Aid Kit Recommendations

Ohio High School Athletic Assocation Physical Examination Form

The National Federation of State High School State Associations' (NFHS) Sports Medicine Advisory Committee has developed a physician release form for wrestlers to participate with skin lesion(s). Print wrestling skin form.