Go Team! 8 Ways to Support Your Little Athlete On & Off the Field
One of the worst things for a kid is being sidelined with an injury.
But, as parents and coaches, you have years of experience in the field of injury prevention that can help little athletes stay injury free!
Here are eight simple tips from Safe Kids Worldwide to help reduce preventable injuries in youth sports.
Parents:
- Make sure your child receives a pre-participation physical exam, or PPE, before he enrolls in an organized sport. This exam should be performed by a doctor, nurse practitioner or qualified clinician under the supervision of a physician. No matter who performs the exam, the same practices should be followed, including the need for a medical history.
- Provide your athlete’s coaches with important information – think phone numbers, doctor information and allergy information – in case an emergency occurs.
- Meet with the coaches before the first practice to inform them of your child’s history with asthma or other medical conditions that require special attention.
- Attend a local sports safety clinic, which provides coaches and parents with ways to keep young athletes healthy and injury free throughout their sporting careers.
Coaches:
- Establish safety guidelines that athletes and parents can follow during every practice and game, such as creating hydration breaks and encouraging players to sit out if injured. Have players rest if they’re not feeling well, and always make sure to facilitate a proper warm-up.
- Get certified in first aid and CPR.
- Have a stocked first aid kit available at all practices and games.
- Consider increasing your sports skills and knowledge with free sports safety training at a sports safety clinic.
Safe Kids Worldwide is a global organization dedicated to preventing injuries in children around the world.
Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children is the lead agency for Safe Kids Hawaii, a coalition to Safe Kids Worldwide.
Published on: July 25, 2016
