7 Ways Parents Can Prevent Sports Injuries

Batter up, Pass that Ball and Go Team! 

Playing organized sports has many benefits for your children. Children get exercise, learn teamwork and gain a sense of accomplishment. We all want our kids to be safe when practicing their sport and, as a parent, there are some things you can do to help prevent injuries.

Be prepared

Your player should have the right protective gear for the sport. Each sport has different areas to protect. Some examples of protection are: helmets, mouthpieces, pad for neck, shoulder, chest, etc.), knee, shin and elbow protection and eyewear.

Check the fit

Work with your child’s coach to ensure protective pieces fit properly. Also, for football players, there is no “concussion-proof” helmet.

Conditioning is important

Exercises to strengthen muscles provide more protection and lessen the chance for injury for your young athlete.

Stay hydrated

Be sure your child drinks plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise or play. Wear light clothing in high heat or humidity.

Do it the right way

Be sure your child is using the proper technique for his or her sport. Learn the rules of the sport and remind your child to avoid unsafe behavior such as sliding headfirst in baseball and softball or checking in hockey.

Don’t play through pain

If your child has pain during an activity, he should stop. A surprising 70% of student athletes have reported playing with concussion symptoms. Reassure your athlete that missing one game is better than the whole season.

Give it a rest

A child’s body needs to have time to rest and recover. Plan to have at least one month per year off from sports and one day each week. Rest is an important part of keeping your athlete healthy and in the game!