The fall sports season in full swing. Youth sports give kids an opportunity to learn teamwork, get physically fit and socialize. Regardless of what fall sports they participate in - football, soccer, cross country, volleyball and the like - injuries like sprains and strains can be all too common. What can you do to keep your young athletes safer on the field?
Here are tips from the Youth Sports Safety Alliance to help protect them from sports-related injuries:
Get a physical examination
Physical exams can determine if your children are healthy enough to play and can also detect any pre-existing conditions that may affect their performance.
Use proper protective gear
Before purchasing new youth sports equipment, have your child try it on. Ensure the gear fits correctly and is neither too big nor too small. If your child already owns gear, however, examine it closely for wear and tear that may affect its performance.
Warm up before every practice or game
Doing a regimen of warm-up stretches before taking to the field can reduce the likelihood of an injury. A light jog can also help ease muscle tensions.
