April is Youth Sports Safety Month. Sports can have a tremendously positive impact on kids’
lives. A positive experience in sports
can benefit a child not only physically, but socially and emotionally. Sadly our current youth sports system is
leading to a number of preventable injuries.
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 3.5 million children under 14
receive medical treatment for sports injuries each year. When it comes to high school athletes, they
are clocking in 2 million injuries a year.
lives. A positive experience in sports
can benefit a child not only physically, but socially and emotionally. Sadly our current youth sports system is
leading to a number of preventable injuries.
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 3.5 million children under 14
receive medical treatment for sports injuries each year. When it comes to high school athletes, they
are clocking in 2 million injuries a year.
Keep your young athlete safe, healthy and happy with these top six youth sports safety tips tips from the experts at personal coaching company, CoachUp
1. Health, Sleep and Nutrition. Set your child up for a long, healthy career
in sports by making sure they are eating a balanced diet and are sleeping
regularly. Always have your child’s
annual physical up-to-date and be diligent with following up on their doctor’s
orders, especially for children with conditions like diabetes. Never hesitate to bring your child to their
doctor if they are experience pain or feeling ill.
in sports by making sure they are eating a balanced diet and are sleeping
regularly. Always have your child’s
annual physical up-to-date and be diligent with following up on their doctor’s
orders, especially for children with conditions like diabetes. Never hesitate to bring your child to their
doctor if they are experience pain or feeling ill.
2. Concussion and TBI Awareness. Make sure both you and your athlete are aware
of the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries, as well as, the long term impacts
of such an injury. When in doubt, refer
to the guidelines outlined by the CDC and remember to bring your child to a
medical professional immediately if you suspect your child might have sustained
a TBI.
of the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries, as well as, the long term impacts
of such an injury. When in doubt, refer
to the guidelines outlined by the CDC and remember to bring your child to a
medical professional immediately if you suspect your child might have sustained
a TBI.
3. Hydration and Heat Related Illness Awareness. Your child
should always be properly hydrated before participating in any physical
activity. Especially if your child’s sport is rigorous or performed in elevated
temperatures, both you and your athlete should be aware of the symptoms of heat
related illnesses such heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
should always be properly hydrated before participating in any physical
activity. Especially if your child’s sport is rigorous or performed in elevated
temperatures, both you and your athlete should be aware of the symptoms of heat
related illnesses such heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
4. Strength, Conditioning and Flexibility Programs. Particularly for middle to high school
athletes, a well-rounded training program is vital for preventing common
overuse injuries. Your athlete should be diligent about following the strength
and conditioning, and flexibility programs their coach prescribes. Your athlete
might need some extra support with regard accommodations for existing
conditions or injuries or just reviewing proper form, so consider enlisting the
help for a private to work more closely with your child.
athletes, a well-rounded training program is vital for preventing common
overuse injuries. Your athlete should be diligent about following the strength
and conditioning, and flexibility programs their coach prescribes. Your athlete
might need some extra support with regard accommodations for existing
conditions or injuries or just reviewing proper form, so consider enlisting the
help for a private to work more closely with your child.
5. Sports Performance Stress Management. As your athlete begins to compete they will
become introduced to the stresses of sports performance. You can help your athlete by making your home
a stress-free environment and offering your emotional support. If you think your child is becoming unhealthy
stressed, address the problem with their coach to determine the next best steps
to reduce their anxiety.
become introduced to the stresses of sports performance. You can help your athlete by making your home
a stress-free environment and offering your emotional support. If you think your child is becoming unhealthy
stressed, address the problem with their coach to determine the next best steps
to reduce their anxiety.
6. Rest. Never underestimate the power of rest, whether
that is a nap, a day off from practice
or a short term break from the sport. Burnout is a very common problem with
young athletes so it is important to
foster a nurturing relationship with your athlete so they feel comfortable
approaching you if they need a break.
that is a nap, a day off from practice
or a short term break from the sport. Burnout is a very common problem with
young athletes so it is important to
foster a nurturing relationship with your athlete so they feel comfortable
approaching you if they need a break.
Following these tips will help ensure that your athlete will
have a long-lasting career and positive experience in sports for years to come.
have a long-lasting career and positive experience in sports for years to come.