A practical, easy to understand and useful checklist below for parents to help with the prevention and management of injuries in their children. It can be a frustrating time for all when your child is injured so we hope this list gives you some help in keeping your child on the field and getting them back on the field as quickly and as safely as possible.
- Enrol your child in an organised and properly managed sports programme
- Determine that coaches are properly qualified to coach the sport as well as trained in first aid and CPR
- All equipment should be properly used and safety/protective gear worn at all times
- The correct warm up and cool down exercises should be incorporated into practice sessions and matches
- Conditioning exercises such as age appropriate muscle strengthening and flexibility should be part of each practice session
- Proper techniques should be reinforced during the playing season
- Regular breaks both during practice and during the season should be instituted
- Play safe and within the rules of the game at all times
- Avoid heat injury by providing plenty of water to drink before, during and after exercise
- Prevent your child playing if in pain or very tired
- Stop the activity if there is pain
- Seek and respect medical advice for all serious and traumatic injuries
- Educate yourself regarding the different medical disciplines such as physiotherapist, biokineticist, podiatrist, chiropractor, occupational therapist, sports physician that may be able to assist with your child’s care
- Communicate with your child regarding their injury
- Understand and be sensitive to their feelings regarding their injury
- Avoid early specialisation that may result in overuse injuries
- Don’t rush your child back to the sports field for the wrong reasons
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