In 2008, the Pop Warner football program, one of the largest youth football organizations in the world, had over 400,000 registered participants. All of its youth football players are required to wear full pads whenever on the field. Choosing the right kinds of pads is imperative not only for your child's safety, but also for his performance on the field.
The Facts
According to the National Center for Sports Safety, 413,620 men and women were injured as a direct result of playing organized football in 2001. A higher percentage of football players wind up getting injured than in any other sport, 28 percent, which is 3 percent more than second-place basketball. What's more, the majority of these football players were wearing a full set of pads.
Significance
Football players collide at high speeds on nearly every play, even on a youth football field. Football pads are a necessity for the game. Pads may protect children from getting injured while playing the game, but injuries may occur regardless. However, pads can limit the severity of the injury considerably.
Considerations
Different positions use different kinds of football pads. For example, quarterbacks often have thin shoulder pads to allow for maximum range of motion in throwing, while linemen have thick, sturdy shoulder pads that need to withstand constant banging. When choosing football pads for kids, ensure that you are picking pads made specifically for the child's position.
Warning
Football pads have to fit snugly to a player's body. Loose pads can scratch a player's body or come undone during an intense collision. Pads that are too small can break or snap, and your child may soon outgrow a set of pads. Always adjust the pads before every game or practice, and purchase new ones if the originals have become too small.
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