For many kids, the new school year is in full swing. And with that, comes many kids playing youth sports. Participation in sports is not only fun, but it helps build and maintain health bones and muscles. It also reduces the risk of developing obesity and reduces feelings of depression and anxiety. The benefits are numerous, but as a parent your main concern is safety. What happens if my child gets hurt? Will this injury make them fall behind in school? The questions are numerous. However, there are steps you can take to keep your child safe. We have a few youth sports safety tips to keep in mind.
Youth Sports Safety Tips
The risks of injury should not keep a child from enjoying the benefits of playing sports. There are a some easy youth sports safety tips that can help.
- Know and follow the rules of the sport.
- Be in good physical condition before beginning any sport.
- Wear proper apparel and protective gear.
- Know how to use athletic equipment.
- Be sure to warm up before playing.
- Drink plenty of liquids before playing to prevent dehydration.
- Do not play when tired or in pain.
What do do in the event of an injury
Taking quick action and receiving prompt treatment for an injury can often prevent a minor injury from truing into a major injury. Make sure to remember RICE therapy. Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate. If you notice any of the following signs, your child may need to visit the doctor.
- Inability or decreased ability to play
- Visible deformity
- Severe pain that prevents the use of an arm or leg
- Symptoms which persist or affect athletic performance
Prevention
Most sports-related injuries are preventable. A few steps coaches and parents can take to help reduce the changes of an injury occurring include:
- Enroll your child in programs where you know an adult will be monitoring the event.
- Be sure your child uses the proper safety equipment.
- Teach your child to start by warming up and stretching.
- Remind your child to cool down afterwards.
Most schools and coaches will require a physical examination before they will let students play sports. If the do not require one, it is still a good idea to go ahead and get one. A physical examination will determine the overall heath of your child. And, did you know most health plans offer a routine physical examination as a wellness benefit. Most plans cover wellness benefits at 100% or at a small copay.