Valley Children’s Hospital has reported more than a dozen nasal fractures related to youth football practice treated at its facility this summer, a number that is “significantly higher” than previous years, according to a news release. Photo by Andrii Lievientsov on unsplash.com

Valley Children’s Hospital issued an urgent safety alert to school districts and athletic programs in the Valley in response to a sharp rise in facial injuries among youth football players.

The hospital has reported more than a dozen nasal fractures treated at its facility this summer, a number that is “significantly higher” than previous years, according to a news release.

“This summer, I treated at least 12 football-related nasal injuries, and two were among the most severe I have seen in my career,” said Dr. Matthew Hiersche, Valley Children’s medical director of pediatric plastic surgery. “These injuries are preventable, and we need to better protect our young athletes.”

A news release from Valley Children’s states the spike in facial injuries is due to football practices being conducted without helmets for the players.

Valley Children’s recommends players avoid participating in contact drills without facial protection. According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, 47% of high school football injuries occur during practice, with concussions, knee sprains and ankle sprains being among the most common injuries.

With the fall semester just around the corner, Valley Children’s also reminds coaches and families that hydration is critical during summer practices.