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School sports programs offer children rich experiences, teaching physical coordination, discipline and cooperation while keeping them fit. However, all sports
come with risk of injury. According to
SafeKids USA: |
Many of these injuries could have been prevented or minimized with proper planning and supervision. In 365 Ways to Keep Kids Safe, Don Keenen says, to ensure your child’s safety in a school sports program, check to see that the following safeguards are in place:
Reputation for Safety
Your child’s
coach makes a myriad of crucial decisions
in every practice or game, from how long
she practices to calling off a game for
weather. Look for a coach who errs on the
side of caution.
Access to First Aid Equipment
In an
emergency, every second counts. A first aid
kit cannot help an injured child on the field
if it is lying in the bottom of a drawer in the
school building.
Supervised Practices
Team members
should never be allowed to practice any
sport without adult supervision. Even a
simple cheerleading or gymnastic routine
practiced in the gym can turn to tragedy in
the blink of an eye.
Certified Trainer
Certified trainers
possess the knowledge and skills to deal
with serious injuries. If a trainer is not available,
be sure an adult with CPR training
attends every practice and game.
Established Concussion Protocol
Specific plans should be in place, outlining
what signs of possible concussion should
exempt a child from further play and which
signs should prompt a trip to a physician.
Established Hydration Protocol
Especially in the Georgia heat, hydration
planning is imperative. Tragically, children
die every year from heat stroke and dehydration
while playing sports for want of
nothing more than a quick break and a cold
cup of water.
According to Keenen, children’s sports
programs should follow the ABCs for
hydration:
Always drink before, during and after
activity to replace fluids lost from sweating.
Bring the right fluids. Water is fine for
exercise under an hour, but sports drinks
containing sodium are important for
intense exercise lasting more than an hour.
Consider fluids as essential safety equipment
for sports and be sure children are
given frequent rest periods, especially during
hot or humid weather.
Established Lightening Protocol
Children playing outdoor sports are at risk
from lightening strikes. The American
Academy of Pediatrics suggests counting
seconds between seeing the flash and hearing
the thunder. The team should be inside
by the time the count reaches six seconds.
Proper Protective Gear
Safety gear
for the team should be checked regularly
to be sure that it is up-to-date and used
properly.
Medical Information
Georgia and
Alabama schools require physicals and
completed medical information forms before
a child can participate in a sports program.
But these safeguards are pointless if the
coach is not made aware of medical conditions
or medications a player might be taking.
Tell the coach about your child’s health
status and any possible side effects, such as
dehydration, of any medication he is taking.
Specified Hospital Choice
If you have
a particular hospital you would want your
child taken to in an emergency, be sure the
coach has that information on hand at all
times, so the right hospital can be requested
when calling 911.
Children need physical activity now more than ever, and school sports programs enhance their social development as well. Fear of injury should not stop your child from reaping these benefits, but taking action to ensure the team’s safety may save a life. Don’t be afraid to be assertive, and if any aspect of the safety plan is lacking, volunteer to help bring it up to speed. The life you save just might be your own child’s.
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