Child Sports Safety FAQs

Participating in sports offers many benefits for kids and teens, but specializing in a particular sport at a young age can lead to overuse injuries, psychological fatigue, and burnout. As they say, practice makes perfect! But, of course, there are potential risks involved. Here are a few sports-related questions we get here at Crisp Regional Hospital!

What is the suitable age to introduce my child to team sports?

Children should be a minimum of six years old before embarking on team sports. Before this age, encourage your child to engage in sports that emphasize learning and enjoyment.

How can I assist my child in choosing the right sport for them?

Promote your child to experiment with various sports. This offers your child the opportunity to develop a diverse range of skills. It is advisable for a child not to specialize in one sport before reaching the age of ten. This approach helps prevent boredom and waning interest.

What safety measures should parents and children take before participating in sports?

Prior to engaging in sports, take the following precautions:

• Schedule a sports physical with a doctor.
• Begin getting in shape before the season starts.
• Gradually increase your fitness level.
• Ensure safety equipment is in good condition and complies with national standards.
• Incorporate warm-up and cool-down stretches before and after practice.
• Stay adequately hydrated.
• Ensure your child maintains a proper diet and gets sufficient sleep to support an active lifestyle.
• Allow at least one day off per week to permit the body to rest.

I’m contemplating coaching my child’s sports team. Is this advisable?

Before making a decision, have a conversation with your child, as coaching your child can add extra stress. Coaches are encouraged to complete coaching education, first aid, or CPR courses before working with any team.

Is it mandatory for my child to wear safety equipment during practice?

Yes, your child should wear safety equipment during practice. In fact, athletes are at a higher risk of sustaining injuries during practice sessions compared to actual games. It is crucial to ensure that the equipment is worn correctly and regularly checked for damage after each use. Remember, the more intense the activity, the more padding is necessary.

Is it important for children to warm up before participating in sports?

Absolutely. Most injuries can be prevented. Engage in light jogging and stretching before engaging in sports to prevent muscle strains and injuries. Ensure that athletes perform a thorough warm-up routine before both practice and games.

What should my child do if a teammate gets injured?

Follow the S.A.F.E. method:

• Stop the activity.
• Assess the situation to determine the extent of the injury.
• Find an adult to provide assistance.
• Emergency? Call for help; never attempt to move an injured athlete; leave that to medical professionals.

I’ve heard about nutritional supplements to enhance athletic performance. Are they safe for children?

Children require a well-balanced diet to perform well in both academics and sports. Those with healthy diets typically do not need supplements. It’s important to note that some supplements are labeled as “nutritional” and do not undergo FDA approval. Without proper testing, there is limited evidence regarding their claims and potential side effects.

Is it better to use sports drinks or water during physical activity?

The choice between sports drinks and water depends on personal preference. When you sweat, you lose water that needs to be replenished for optimal performance. Drinking water before, during, and after events is a good practice. If the physical activity lasts more than two hours, a sports drink may provide the necessary calories after expending energy during sports. Otherwise, water is sufficient for your child.

Making all the right decisions as a parent isn’t easy, but this is a case where we can let our kids take the lead. Their enjoyment, intrinsic drive, and motivation are much stronger predictors of their achievement and long-term commitment than our hopes for them as parents. Encourage fitness and fun at the forefront, and the rest will fall into place.