Spring Sports Safety for Kids

It’s that time of year again: spring sports season. Practices are in full swing, and the scent of sports injuries is in the air. Whether your kids play soccer, baseball, softball, golf, tennis, track, or lacrosse, there’s no avoiding some kind of injury. However, there are ways to cut down the frequency, as well as the severity, of injuries.

Woman with sports hat on

Spring Sports Safety Tips for Kids

We’re sharing sports safety tips so your kids can stay in the game! As much as we would love a break from sitting on the sidelines watching some of these games, no one wants to see a child suffer with injuries.

Wear the right equipment

Equipment should fit properly and be worn correctly. Never alter protective gear for comfort. It’s that simple. If your child has a “position specific” role on his sports team, like a catcher in baseball, or a goalie in lacrosse, there’s special equipment for providing the protection your child requires.

Respect the Game

Be sure your child’s coaches are teaching them the rules of the game, and keeping the kids honest on those fields. It helps if you’re also aware of the rules, so you can instill those rules in your kids when they’re practicing in the yard together. Another good rule of thumb: teach kids how to avoid being hit by a ball. Reflexes are important to keep themselves safe in any sport.

Be Prepared

Always apply sunscreen before practices and games, even if the skies are overcast. Sun rays are always out, even behind those clouds. If you’re not into the canned sunscreen, use ones that are deemed safe and organic. There’s plenty out there for kids, and adults.

Stay Hydrated

Most kids won’t drink enough water. They don’t drink enough each day, and they will fight you when it comes to hydrating before, during, and after practice, or a game. Yes, BEFORE, during, and AFTER. It’s a must to drink plenty of water about a half-an-hour prior to all practices and games, not just every 15 to 20 minutes during play. Don’t forget how important it is to drink plenty of water after practice, and after a game.

Warm Up & Cool Down

No one likes warming up, and cooling down is even less fun. It has to be done. Warming up with stretching helps muscles prepare for the activity that’s about to come, and cooling down helps your body adjust after physical activity.

Year Round Conditioning

If you truly want to help your body avoid as many injuries as possible, you’ll stay fit throughout the year. Your body will be used to physical activity, and not go from zero to 80, causing a lot of issues. Kids will get hurt. It’s part of growing up and playing sports. There’s no true way to avoid every injury, however, there’s ways to cut the risks of injuries.

Visit the Safe Kids website to learn even more great tips for spring sports safety!