Spring Sports Safety

Spring means flowers, warmer temperatures, and another season of driving everyone to team practice. While athletes of all ages dust off their cleats, jerseys, and gloves after a long winter, don’t forget another important part of spring training. Before you let any family athlete rush back onto the field, keep these tips in mind to keep them safe.

1. See your doctor

A sports physical can help determine if a child or any sports lover is physically ready to play ball or any other sport. It may also uncover a previously unknown condition that could prevent someone from playing. Many schools and leagues require a sports physical before they allow anyone to participate. Contact your child’s school or league for any necessary forms.

2. Check the equipment

Before heading out onto the field, go through last year’s helmets, gloves, and all other equipment. Look for any signs of wear on safety gear and make sure all of the equipment functions properly. Now is also a good time to locate and update all of your first aid materials and to make sure the team’s first aid kit is properly stocked.

3. Stretch it out

Athletes of all ages often deal with a variety of injuries that can be avoided with a few simple stretches before taking the field. A proper warm-up prepares the body for all of the running, throwing, and twisting needed during a game. Players who do not perform a proper warm-up put themselves at a serious disadvantage. Here are three useful stretches for the new baseball season:

• Lying knee roll-over stretch – While lying on your back, bend the knees and let them fall to one side. Keep your arms out to the side and allow your back and hips to rotate with your knees.
• Elbow-out rotator stretch – Stand with your hand behind the middle of your back, with your elbow pointing out. Reach over with your other hand and gently pull your elbow forward.
• Rotating wrist stretch – Place one arm straight out in front and parallel to the ground. Rotate your wrist down and outwards. Using your other hand, further rotate your hand upwards.

4. Safety first / Concussions

Concussions are brain injuries caused by a blow to the head or body that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. They can happen at any time but they are more common in individuals who play contact sports. Concussion symptoms can often be subtle and not immediately noticeable, so it’s important to be vigilant. Symptoms of a concussion include:

• Headache or feeling pressure in the head
• Temporary loss of consciousness
• Slurred speech
• Nausea/vomiting
• Confusion
• Ringing in the ears

If you notice these symptoms in your child, yourself or someone else, seek the treatment of a medical professional immediately.

Spring sports are meant to be fun. With a little planning, you can make them fun and safe for all of your athletes.