NJ 101.5 Town Hall Tuesday: Sports injuries and NJ’s young athletes

It's the greatest fear any parent who sends his or her child out onto a court or field faces — what happens if my kid gets hurt?

According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign and the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 3.5 million children ages 14 and younger get hurt annually playing sports. Deaths are rare, but we've seen two in New Jersey alone in recent months — that of Warren Hills High School quarterback Evan Murray, who suffered a fatal spleen injury after taking a hit during a game against Summit, and that of an Elizabeth teen who collapsed playing basketball in October.

The danger is real — but proper practices and responses can keep it to a minimum, and help those who are injured get the treatment they need right away.

Tuesday, Nov. 24, New Jersey 101.5 will welcome experts into our studio and into a special online chat to discuss the risks, as well as what our sports leagues, players and parents can do about it.

The program begins at 7 p.m. You'll be able to watch it live and chat here at NJ1015.com or via the new NJ1015.com mobile app. You can listen live anytime on NJ1015.com, via the app, or at 101.5 on your radio dial. No special software or account is needed for the live chat.

In the studio Tuesday will be:
• Steven Tobias, director of the Center for Child and Family Development in Morristown
• Bill Bruno, assistant director of the NJSIAA
• Keith Loneker, former NFL player who has served on the NFL's concussions committee

Additionally, joining us for the live online chat will be:
• Dr. Jack Kripsak, who sits on the NJSIAA’s medical advisory board
• Andy Overman, senior physical therapist of Hunterdon Sports and Physical Therapy