Safety Tips for Your Child Athletes

Parents are responsible for making sure that their sports playing kids stay safe and sound during games.

A mouth piece is a very important protective item that children should where, especially those who play contacts sports like football, ice hockey and basketball. Although wearing this type of safety gear is not mandatory, parents and coaches usually encourage teenagers to wear it during games and even in practice sessions. Teens with orthodontic braces should always wear protective mouth pieces whenever playing contact sports. A simple elbow to the face can loosen up permanent teeth and also cause gum damage.

Teenagers who play competitive sports sometimes apply too much effort during training. Even on a high school level, there might be pressure to perform well in all competitive games and events. Kids might begin to spend hours in the gym, field or court. However, such young bodies are still growing, and they are not fully developed. Excessive workouts can damage muscles, tendons and bones that have still have potential for growth. Teenage athletes should not try to replicate the performance of professional players. Parents should make sure that their children do not spend too much time on physical preparation for school level sports.

Injury prevention is an important component of sports safety at all levels. Parents should teach their children how to properly use equipment and gear. For example, improper use of tennis racquets or golf clubs could lead to minor injuries in the joints of the limbs and upper body. Additionally, parents should educate their kids about the importance of warming up before practice or competitive play. It is common for excited kids to rush to the field or court and start running without stretching out. To prevent dehydration while playing outdoors, young athletes should always stay hydrated by having access to bottles of water or sports drinks.

*