Sports Safety Checklist
Posted on October 21, 2014
My garage is full of softballs, knee pads and ankle guards, and smelly hockey gear. (Why is it always smelly?) Each year my kids come home with registration forms, schedules, requests for fees, and lists of needed gear. It is easy to get overwhelmed with the carpools and schedules and forget about safety. So to better prepare yourself for all the requirements that await, check out this Parent Checklist from SafeKidsWorldwide.org .
Physicals and Preparedness
- I take my child to the doctor for an annual pre-participation physical evaluation (PPE) before the sports season.
- My child’s coaches have our emergency contact information (phone numbers, doctor information and allergy information).
- I meet with my child’s coach before the first practice to share any history of asthma or other medical conditions that may require special attention.
Warm-Up and Stretching
- I encourage my child to warm up and stretch before practices and games.
Hydration
- I send my kids to practices and games with a water bottle. I encourage my athletes to stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during and after play.
- My child’s coach has regular water breaks in place so that the kids are drinking plenty of fluids during practices and during games.
- I know and look for the signs and symptoms of dehydration, and make sure that my athlete and the coach knows them as well.
Appropriate Gear
- My child has the right equipment and is wearing it for both practices and games. The right equipment may include helmets, shin guards, mouth guards, ankle braces, shoes with rubber cleats and sunscreen.
Concussion Awareness
- I know and look for the signs and symptoms of a concussion, and make sure that my athlete and the coach know them as well.
- If my child is suspected of having a concussion, I make sure he or she is removed from play right away and stays out of the game or practice until evaluated and released by a medical professional.
Rest and Recovery
To help avoid overuse injury, I make sure my child and the coach understand the value of rest and recovery during games and practices.
- I encourage my child to communicate any pain or injury they may have during or after any practices or I make sure they know it’s smart to tell me, their coach or another adult if they’re hurt or not feeling well.
- I encourage my child to get one to two days off from any particular sport each week.
- My athlete understands the importance of an off-season and takes time off from any one sport.
Don’t forget to take my quick weekly quiz to see how much you have learned today. There is a reward at the end of the quiz, so act now before they are all gone!
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