How to Keep Kids Safe During Sports Season

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

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More kids begin sports programs earlier now, so it's important for parents to think about injury prevention. Travel teams, year-long sports participation and more intensive competition add up to one thing--more injuries. Many coaches and parents condition kids at age-inappropriate levels, resulting in muscle, tendon and bone problems from overuse. These kinds of sports injuries can have significant long-term ramifications on a child's health. Read on to learn how to keep kids safe during sports season.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Feed children a well balanced diet no matter what their age. Good nutrition promotes overall good health, and a healthy kid is easier to keep injury free.

Step2

Train and condition kids at age appropriate levels. Make sure their coaches aren't pushing them too hard.

Step3

Pay attention when kids complain of aches and pains. Talk with them and find out what kind of symptoms they are having and if they need medical attention. Small injuries often become bigger ones when ignored.

Step4

Watch for signs of eating disorders in young gymnasts and figure skaters. These sports are hard on soft tissues and bone structure, and the effort to stay small can lead to problems with development.

Step5

Make sure your coach is focused on the kids and not just winning. The wrong emphasis can lead to poor judgment where the players' well-being is concerned.

Step6

Test all equipment for proper fit and maintenance. If shin guards and helmets are too big, they won't provide adequate protection.

Step7

Listen to your child. If she doesn't want to play a particular sport don't force the issue. The risk of injury is increased for a child who'd rather be doing something else.

Tips & Warnings

Start training before each season begins and gradually increase conditioning. Sudden, heavy workouts commonly cause overuse injuries.
Make sure the league or the school system matches the kids by size and physical maturity, not by age. Smaller kids can be both physically and emotionally hurt when paired with bigger stronger athletes.
Don't allow the heat of the moment, the coach or your child talk you in to letting him continue playing after an injury in a game. The short-term win isn't worth a long-term injury.
Be sure your school or league understands heat-induced illness. Athletes must drink water every 20 to 30 minutes in warm weather. Don't allow anyone to give your child salt tablets.