Fall is almost here! With school beginning athletes of all ages grab their sports gear and head to the great outdoors. For many parents, fall is the start of hectic schedules, chauffeuring kids to school, club, and travel team practices. Mom and dads, here are a few safety tips to keep your kids safe while participating in sports:
- Get a physical examination: First and foremost, it is important to get your son/daughter checked out by an MD. This pre-participation physical can help identify potential medical problems, muscle imbalances, and strength deficiencies.
- Identify medical conditions: Parents, it is your responsibility to inform the coaching staff of any medical conditions your athlete may have (e.g. asthma, diabetes, allergies) as well as any medications that your son/daughter may be taking.
- Know the coaching staff: Are any of the coaches trained in CPR/First Aid? Does the coach have emergency contact numbers or copy of insurance cards? Is there a medical kit available on the sidelines or in the dugout? With the rise of traveling teams, not all parents can attend games, so make sure you know who is supervising your child and how the coaching staff can reach you in case of an emergency. If you are able to travel, know where the nearest medical facility or hospital is located. Don’t assume that tournaments or camps will have the proper medical staff onsite. Many places do not. Find out in advance.
- Provide proper equipment: It is imperative your son/daughter have the right equipment, properly fitted and meeting safety guidelines. If the equipment is too tight or too loose, it may not be effective in preventing injury. This is especially critical with football, baseball, hockey, and lacrosse helmets and shoulder pads. Also, make sure you inspect the equipment during the season for defects or cracks.
- Anticipate weather conditions: Make sure your son/daughter is prepared for the elements. If participating in hot conditions, make sure they wear light, loose fitting clothing and are properly hydrated at all times. Is there adequate shade nearby in case of heat illness? Again, if activities are held at an unfamiliar site, you need to find out if water or sports drinks will be available. If participating in cold weather, make sure your athlete is properly dressed to avoid hypothermia or frost bite. Also, it is important to note that extreme temperatures may adversely affect some medical conditions (e.g. asthma, allergies). Be sure to contact your physician so you may have an understanding of how temperatures may affect not only the medical condition, but also how the medications may interact with the body if the body temperature rises or drops.
Injuries and accidents will happen and being prepared for these mishaps is critical. Hopefully, this information will help you keep your athlete safe while participating in sports. For further information on safety in sports, you can log onto the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons at http://orthoinfo.aaos.org; then click on injury prevention.
Source: Athletico
