Kid’s Sports Safety
“Children, especially those who have never played a sport before, need to see a physician first,” says Tim Uhl, Ph.D., A.T.C., P.T., assistant professor, Division of Athletic Training, University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences.
“A pre-participation physical is critical in picking up chronic diseases such as heart or breathing problems,” Uhl says. “Plus, if the physician detects a problem such as asthma, medication can be prescribed to help the child breathe, which may lead to that child finding exercise more fun.”
Choose equipment carefully
Even healthy children are in danger of getting injured. However, proper precautions lower the risk.
Parents should take children to a specialized store, such as a running shop, to ensure someone with the proper expertise helps find the best shoe for children in sports with lots of running, Uhl says.
The same goes for safety equipment, such as helmets and pads used for contact sports.
“Make sure the equipment fits properly,” Uhl says. “To find someone to help, go to a certified athletic trainer or sports physical therapist, who can make adjustments.”
Parents should also make sure that children get enough water before and during play.
Other tips
The National Athletic Trainer’s Association recommends drinking 20 ounces of water or a sport drink two to three hours before exercise.
Sodas should be avoided, because the carbohydrates slow down the emptying of fluids from the stomach. Uhl recommends adding water to fruit juices and sport drinks, such as Gatorade, always making them taste more watery than flavorful, as a general rule.
And, Uhl says, moderation is a huge factor in the health and enjoyment children find from sports.
“You have to let the child grow up. There is a huge amount of pressure being put on children now to be the next Tiger Woods or the next Venus or Serena Williams. We’re seeing more and more adolescents and teens with bad knee and elbow joint injuries, and they haven’t even reached puberty. Physical exercise is phenomenal, but don’t push them to the point of breaking them down,” Uhl says.
