Sports is a great way for the exercise of the body and the mind with a lot of advantages, especially if started from a young age. That being said, it not only enhances the physical well-being of an individual but it also greatly improves mental health too.
People of all ages can play sports which helps them stay fit, active, strong and disciplined. Sports is a great way to boost self-confidence and learn about teamwork and coordination.
However, safety in sports is something that needs to be kept in mind. While playing sports, there is a risk of getting hurt for both kids and adults, which is not something that should be taken lightly. It is recorded that kids below 14 are prone to getting injured easily while playing sports. Injury prevention in sports is essential and safe sports guidelines that should be adopted from a young age.
Take a look below at some sports safety tips and prevention that you can follow or teach others-whether you are an athlete, coach or a parent!
1. CONDUCTING A PHYSICAL EXAM BEFORE PLAYING PROFESSIONAL SPORTS
While this is a requirement in a lot of training centers and institutions for anyone who wishes to take part in organized sports, as a parent or a coach make sure that kids take a pre-physical participation exam (PPE) before taking part in any 2 player sports. This is done by a nurse practitioner or a doctor, and supervised by a general physician. This is a comprehensive physical exam which includes the current health of the body as well as any medical history, hence if the doctor says that the individual is healthy enough to play then he/she can do so.
2. ALWAYS STRETCH OR DO A WARM UP BEFORE PLAYING SPORTS
This is an essential practice that should be done in routine while playing sports. Doing 10 minutes of stretching or a series of warm up activities such as jogging can help release any tension and open up the muscles, which in turn prevents cramps or any other muscle pains while playing. Coaches or team captains should make sure that the players warm up before starting an activity or a game.
3. USE SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND WEAR APPROPRIATE SPORTS GEAR
This is the most crucial tip when it comes to safety in sports. A lot of activities require safety equipment such as in skiing, hockey, skating, snowboarding football etc. Hence wearingthe appropriate sports gear and uniform helps to stay safe and reduces the severity of injuries if any.
As parents or coaches, you should make sure that the use of the equipment is done in a correct manner when in practice or playing professionally. Safety equipment may include helmets, gloves, knee and elbow pads, shin guards, mouth guards, ankle braces, shoes and sunscreen.
4. PLAYING IN AN APPROPRIATE SPORTS ENVIRONMENT
An ideal playing environment for athlete should be well-lit with all the protective gear and equipment needed. However, there are a few other things that should be noted.
As players spend a lot of time together in an area practicing or playing sports, they should feel motivated in the environment they are in. In case of team sports, players should make each other feel at home and build good, long-lasting relationships which can make it easier for everyone to succeed and play as a team. Coaches or trainers should provide all the support that they can give. They should be kind to the players, especially if they are struggling or experiencing setbacks in their career; they should not criticize or enforce rules upon them. All players should treat each other with respect and no verbal or physical abuse should be allowed in the sports environment
5. TAKE BREAKS IN BETWEEEN GAMES AND REST
Rest is absolutely important for athletes as they are exerting their bodies every day. There is a chance of injury if one overexerts themselves. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential and players should also take breaks where they can rest during games and practices.
Moreover, parents or coaches should always make sure that the athletes are in the best shape, if they are experiencing any pain or illness, they should inform immediately and take rest.
6. STAY HYDRATED
This goes without saying that players should take an ideal amount of water; staying hydrated is necessary especially when practicing or playing outdoors in the sun. An athlete requires more water intake as the body sweats a lot and more energy is consumed than usual.
While players might forget to drink water, keeping a water bottle or cooler in the side-lines can serve as a reminder to drink water even in the solo sports. They can drink before or after the game or practice this way. Parents or coaches can help also them by setting reminders.
As an athlete, you should know the symptoms or signs of dehydration so that it does not affect your performance.
If you’re a coach, you can enforce mandatory water breaks in between games and practices so that your athletes are hydrated all the way!
7. AVOID GETTING INTO USELESS ARGUMENTS AND DEBATES WITH OTHERS
While most sports are competitive in nature and can really take up the rivalry and competition, safety guidelines and rules should be taught and implemented by the players so that there are no issues. Getting into physical or verbal fights can lead to some serious injuries as well as tarnish the reputation of a player which can ruin the entire career of an athlete. It is best to avoid getting into arguments with others, even if they are your team members or other players!
Lack of sports education and awareness about sports-based injuries and safety precautions can lead to players getting hurt. Injuries can be prevented with the use of proper safety gear and equipment, preparing the right sports environment, and abiding by sports rules that can help prevent injuries.
We know that one of the worst things for any athlete is being left out in a game due to an injury. As parents and coaches, teaching them these tips and guidelines and making sure they follow them can help them stay safe and away from any accidents– so the players can keep playing sports that they love!
