Football is a contact sport that kids love. Between tackling, running and playing in the summer or fall heat, many parents may be concerned about the safety of a sport like football. According to the American Youth Football organization, football is a safe sport, but you must have the right gear, play by the rules and ensure that your child is playing in the proper division for his age, weight and overall size.
Significance
Each year, more than 12 million kids hit the football field, according to American Youth Football. While children are naturally going to take some bumps and bruises, it is up to parents, coaches and trainers to provide instructive examples to keep kids safe on the field. One of the chief ways any kids' football organization keeps kids healthy is to group kids according to their age and weight. Because mismatches in terms of size can lead to greater opportunity for injury, ensuring your child is in the right league and team can go a long way in terms of injury prevention, according to American Youth Football.
Equipment Types
The most basic forms of equipment to promote safety include helmet, pads, mouth guard and rubber cleats. The Metro Youth Football Association recommends looking for a helmet that carries the National Operating Committee for Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOSCAE) seal of approval, which means the helmet has met safety standards for padding, pressure and cleanliness. Your child should have pads that protect the shoulder, knee, thigh, hips and tailbone, and some organizations require additional protective gear. Check with your local football organization for gear requirements. Fit is a significant concern: no equipment should be either too large or small for your child. Instead, everything should fit snugly, but not to the point where circulation is cut off.
Recognition
Because kids may not be as adept at recognizing a serious injury, it's important to observe your child following a football practice or game. If your child is ever unconscious for any period of time, you should seek medical examination, according to USA Football. In addition to head injuries, dental injuries are common. A child should wear a properly fitted mouth guard in all instances, which can help to prevent concussions should a blow come to the chin.
Sprains and strains also are common. If your child is limping, has an area that appears swollen or red or has a joint that does not seem stable or protrudes when felt, medical attention may be required.
Prevention/Solution
In addition to wearing the proper equipment, a large number of football injuries can be prevented via a proper warm-up routine prior to engaging in play. A coach or trainer should lead the team in a stretching routine prior to engaging in any activity to prevent knee, ankle, and shoulder injuries. Cardiovascular activities to warm the muscles, such as jumping jacks, may be a good idea as well.
Because temperatures can be a concern, do not allow your child to play for extended periods of time during a hot season, particularly when your child has not spent previous long periods of time outside. Make sure your child stays well hydrated while playing. If you observe signs of dehydration, such as sweating, chills, fainting or dizziness, seek treatment for heat exhaustion.
Warnings
Beyond equipment and bodily safety precautions, there are two important factors to be kept in mind when addressing football safety for kids. The first is sportsmanship. Teaching your child proper sportsmanship and the importance of having a good attitude, win or lose, can go a long way in terms of safety. Children are less likely to be overly aggressive and carry less anger following a loss.
The second factor is to watch for is signs of overtraining. Kids should be treated as just that--kids--when playing football. If you observe symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, depression or overall lack of motivation, it may be time to give your child a break, according to USA Football.
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