Sports Safety for Children
Sports are great for children. Sports can help a child's physical coordination, fitness, and self-esteem. Sports can also teach children about teamwork and self-discipline.
But children are more likely get injured when playing a sport. This is because their body is still growing and their coordination is still developing.
10 Tips for Preventing Sports Injuries in Kids and Teens
Young athletes today push themselves harder than ever before, which means they’re at greater risk for sports-related injuries. Pediatric sports medicine expert R. Jay Lee provides these 10 injury prevention tips to help keep your young athlete safe.
Most childhood sports injuries occur when:
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Kids don’t know what to do to stay safe when playing a sport
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Kids don’t have the right equipment to play a sport – or don’t have any equipment at all
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Kids aren’t in good physical shape to play the sport
These safety tips can help prevent sports injuries in children:
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Children should wear the correct safety gear and equipment.
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The playing field or court should be safe.
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Team members and teams should be made up of children of similar size, skill level, and physical and emotional maturity.
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Children should be physically fit and mentally prepared.
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Children practicing a sport should be watched by an adult who enforces the safety rules.
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Children should get enough fluids during and after sports.
Heat-Related Illness and Young Athletes: 3 Important Things Parents and Coaches Need to Know
Heat-related illness is a serious concern for everyone who is exercising during extreme summer heat. Most at risk: young athletes who may not know when to take a break and cool down. Learn what parents can do to help prevent their children from experiencing heat-related illness.
