Sports Safety

Safety gear and equipment

Safety gear should be sport-specific. It may include such items as goggles, mouth guards, shin-elbow-knee pads, and helmets. The safety gear should fit properly. Sports equipment (such as bats, baskets, and goals) should also be in good working condition. Any damage should be repaired or the item should be replaced. The playing area should be free from debris and water.

The sports physical

To make sure your child is physically fit to play in a certain sport, get a sports physical. These physicals can reveal physical strengths and weaknesses. They can help determine which sports are appropriate.

When is my child ready to participate in sports?

Starting a child in sports at too young an age may not benefit the child physically. Children can start playing team sports when they express strong interest and you feel they can handle it. Age and size shouldn't be the only measures used. Also consider their ability to understand the concept of rules and teamwork. Keep in mind that no two children are alike. Some may not be ready physically or psychologically to take part in a team sport until they are older. Base your decision on whether to allow the child to take part in a particular sport based on the following:

• Age

• Weight

• Build

• Physical development

• Emotional development

• Child's interest in the sport

Note: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that late-developing teens not take part in contact sports until their bodies have developmentally "caught up" to their peers' bodies.

The importance of hydration

Sweat lost during sports must be replaced with equal amounts of fluids each hour of intense sports activity. Your child should drink fluids before, during, and after each practice or game. To avoid stomach cramps from drinking large amounts of fluids at once, drink about 1 cup of water (or a type of sports drink) every 15 to 20 minutes. Don't drink beverages with carbonation and caffeine.

The following are the most common symptoms of dehydration:

• Extreme thirst

• Weakness

• Headache or dizziness

• Dark-colored urine

• Slight weight loss

If your child has signs of dehydration, make sure your child gets fluids right away, as well as a snack. Some symptoms of dehydration may be caused by other health problems. Always see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.