Guidelines For Youth Football Safety & Equipment

Parents can reduce the chance of their child being injured while playing youth football by staying aware of best practices for safety and insisting on proper equipment use. High school football carries a particularly high risk of head injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two thirds of all high school sports concussions happen to football players. Parents that know what to look for can evaluate the football program their child participates in.

Helmets And Concussion

A critical safety component in football, a helmet should have a sticker showing that it meets the standards of the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. While the helmet is designed to prevent head injury, concussion can still occur. Coaches and staff need to be aware of concussion symptoms and know what to do. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers fact sheets and other tools for parents and coaches on concussion. Coaches should stay alert to players that appear dazed, lose consciousness, forget plays and answer questions slowly. Players suspected of a concussion should be removed from play, evaluated by a health professional, the parents informed and the player should not be allowed to play until cleared by a doctor.

Other Safety Equipment

Common football injuries include, broken bones, damage to internal organs, concussions, back injuries and sunburn. With these injuries in mind, the following equipment in addition to a helmet is essential. A mouth guard will protect teeth and jaws from breakage. Padding is needed for football in particular where collisions are the norm; use shoulder pads, chest pads, forearm, elbow and thigh pads. Shin guards will offer protection to the lower leg. Keep sunscreen on hand as well as plenty of water to keep players hydrated.

Heat Injury

Youth involved in football can be at risk for heat injury during warm weather. Core body temperature can rise too high when weather becomes hot and players don't stay hydrated. Coaches and parents need to keep a close watch on players and make sure they stay properly hydrated. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, youth often begin practice or games not fully hydrated. Offer breaks to drink water and sports beverages frequently during hot weather. Gradually introduce padding and uniforms at practice to acclimate players to higher temperatures over time. To prevent heat illness from becoming severe, coaches should have training in recognizing the symptoms.

Considerations

As well as proper safety equipment, players need to be in good condition to play safely. Participants need a physical indicating good health as well as gradual conditioning. Coaches should have the training and experience to group players according to size not weight. Large players can easily injure smaller players. Parents can help by inspecting the playing field before practice and games. Check that there are no obstacles, enough room to play and spectators are well back from the playing area.