Prevent sports injuries and play it safe.

by Michele Ranard, M.Ed.
580 words

Even the mildest injuries can throw a wrench into your child’s fun this sports season so it’s wise to be mindful of ways to keep everyone healthy. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), three million kids get injured in sports each year. Most of these injuries occur as a result of falls, being struck by an object, collisions, and overexertion.

Even if your athlete will only be playing backyard sports, keep these safety tips in mind:

1. Protective Gear and New Shoes Are a Must.

As parents we worry about our kids constantly but sometimes we don’t worry about the right things. Helmets save lives! According to the AAP, cycling, skateboarding, and skating are responsible for the majority of sports-related head injuries, so protect their tender noggins. Buy proper mouth guards, protective guards, and the right shoes (FYI: soccer cleats won’t work for baseball). Shoes from last season may be worn down and uneven on the bottom which can cause an ankle to twist, so don’t chance it.

2. See the Doctor for a Check of Previous Injuries.

Before allowing your child to participate, make sure to get the green light from your physician. Your child may be advised to tape the injured area or wear a supportive ankle brace during games. Make sure to follow all recommendations to prevent re-injury.

3. Insist on Proper Rest.

This is especially critical during summer vacation when kids and parents alike tend to stay up too late. Proper sleep will aid in preparing your child for the match, help her concentrate (and avoid injury) on the field, and then recover.

4. Just Say No to Bare Feet For Sports.

Warm weather may be all about barefootin’ it, but sports is not! Uneven surfaces and getting kicked or stomped on spells bad news for little feet. Explain to your kids how it won’t be any fun to be stuck inside with an awkward cast or bandage because they were too busy to tie on shoes.

5. Prioritize Safety During Practices.

The AAP reports that 60% of all organized sports-related injuries occur during practice so make sure you talk to your child about wearing proper protective gear and concentrating at practices just as much as during games.

6. Be Aware of Unsafe Playing Fields.

Dips, divots, holes, and uneven surfaces have “sprain” written all over them. Coaches may get busy with players and the nitty gritty, so if possible, parents should take time to walk the field and report any potential issues.

7. Warm-ups and Stretching Are Critical for Safety.

Talk to your child about the threat of straining muscles. Light jogging, stretches, and warm-up exercises warm the body’s tissues and keep them flexible. Warming up also clears the mind, aids focus, and mentally prepares them for the game.

8. Confirm That a First-aid Kit Will Be Accessible.

Again, coaches are often burdened with responsibility and details so this is an area where parents can pitch in. Kids and sports are too dangerous a combo to ever be without a first-aid kit.

9. Hydrate.

Hydration during both practices and games is critical, so go ahead and be the parent who always has an extra bottle – it’s too important.

10. Seek Immediate Treatment For Injuries.

Time is often of the essence where sports injuries are concerned. Even if the injury appears only to be an ankle sprain, see a doctor to avoid future issues such as instability or arthritis.

Michele Ranard has a husband, two children, and a master’s in counseling. She has blogs at hellolovelychild.blogspot.com and hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com.

Resources: www.aap.org