As an aggressive contact sport, wrestling has the potential for injury, especially in children, and wrestling headgear plays a key role in minimizing ear-related problems. Whether your child is an experienced wrestler or is just now learning the ropes of this intense sport, learning the facts about wrestling headgear for kids can give you a new appreciation for this protective device.
Significance
Many people assume wrestling headgear serves the purpose of protecting children's heads from hitting injuries, such as concussions, but this safety device actually plays another role -- protecting their ears. Friction and hits to the ear occur regularly in wrestling and can lead to separation of the skin and cartilage in your child's ear. A hematoma, or localized collection of clotted blood, may develop, resulting in the formation of cartilage chunks. This may create bump-like growths on your child's ear, a condition referred to in the wrestling world as cauliflower ear, according to the American Sport Education Program in "Coaching Youth Wrestling." Headgear is designed to protect the ears from these injuries.
Types
Wrestling headgear for children comes in various styles and generally consists of plastic, foam or fabric material. Traditional wrestling headgear has four straps; two straps cross over the top of your child's head, a third strap encircles the back of the head and the fourth strap wraps around the chin. This headgear style typically allows extra room around your child's ears. Two-strap wrestling headgear is simpler to clasp around the head but generally leaves less room for the ears.
Considerations
Encourage your child to get his first set of wrestling headgear in person to help ensure that it fits properly. In many cases, the wrestling coach will provide assistance in measuring your child's head, as well. Have your child try several different styles to help narrow down the headgear selection. Minimize potential injuries by making sure the earpieces are deep enough to eliminate direct contact between the ears and the headgear itself, recommends Dennis John Caine, Ph.D., coauthor of "Epidemiology of Pediatric Sports Injuries."
Warning
Wrestling headgear is typically mandatory during wrestling competitions, but some coaches may not require your child to wear this protective device during practices. Talk to your child's coach to verify that he requires headgear during practice. Regardless of your child's age, wearing headgear during practices can help minimize potential injuries, says Caine. If your child experiences redness, swelling or other ear pain while wearing headgear during competition or practice, take him to his primary care doctor to rule out or treat any ear injuries.
References
- "Coaching Youth Wrestling"; American Sport Education Program; 2007
- "Epidemiology of Pediatric Sports Injuries"; Dennis John Caine, Ph.D. and Dr. Nicola Maffulli; 2005
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