No sports flooring system can prevent athletes from getting injured. But the right flooring system can help in reducing the risk to your athletes.
Most fans and athletes don't put much thought into the surface of a sports facility. But it is something coaches and athletic administrators should be mindful of. This article will explore ways that proper flooring can prevent basketball injuries, along with other indoor sports.
There has been a lot of studies conducted throughout the years on what makes a sports floor safe. For more information on the subject, see articles published by the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine or the American Society of Testing and Materials. These are two great resources on the subject.
There are some basic things to consider when thinking about the safety of your sports facility. The first thing to consider is what type of activity is being performed in your facility. What type of sport is being played in your facility will help to dictate what type of sports flooring system is best.
Indoor track facilities need a different system than a competition basketball or volleyball court. A different system should be considered if the facility is being used for mainly dance or aerobics. So, understanding the use of your facility is very important when deciding on the flooring system.
Shock absorption needs to be considered when thinking about the safety of your athletes and helping to prevent injuries. Having a system with good shock absorption will help provide cushion in a high impact sport such as basketball or volleyball. Shock absorption is crucial in protecting athletes’ joints, muscles, and bones. It helps in the overall stress on an athletes’ lower body helping in the prevention of chronic injuries.
Landing wrong from jumping, running into other athletes, or twisting ankles and knees from cutting during an activity. These are all common acute injuries an athlete may get while playing a sport. The shock absorption of a floor system will not prevent these. But it will help the athletes with their agility and comfort over the long-term.
It is important to note that shock absorption has more to do with the subfloor system than the top playing surface. So, understanding what is happening below the surface of your floor is very important.
We must also consider surface friction when preventing sports injuries. Making sure the flooring system you choose gives you the correct amount of surface friction is vital.
Not enough traction or grip and the athletes run the risk of sliding during activities putting undue strain on muscles and joints. Too much traction or grip can make an athlete's feet stick during activities. This could cause damage to muscles and ligaments.
Vertical Deformation is a term used to describe how much a flooring system gives when an athlete jumps on it. The correct amount of give differs depending on both the activity it is used for and the age of the athletes using the facilities.
Not having enough vertical deformation could lead to discomfort and acute injuries. Having too much may decrease stability and performance. Your flooring system should achieve the proper vertical deformation to provide the safest possible surface for your athletes.
As you can see there is a lot of science that goes into providing a safe floor for your athletes. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the process of providing a safe floor for your athletes you can rest assured, we've got you covered. The Ohio Floor Company has the knowledge needed to guide you through the process of choosing the best flooring system for your needs.
We have the expertise and experience in all types of sport flooring systems. Our knowledgeable sales staff will answer all your concerns and help you pick the best option. We can not guarantee a flooring system that will eliminate every injury. But we can educate you and provide the flooring system that will be as safe as possible for your athletes.
Please reach out to us today to get started.
www.ohiofloor.com
330-567-2176