Nixon Health Office

Sports Safety

April is National Sports Safety Month. Sports participation has become a major cause of serious injuries among children and adolescents. It is estimated that approximately three to five million youth are seen annually in hospital emergency rooms for sports injuries. Many sports injuries can be Soccerprevented. Now that the warmer weather is finally arriving and so many children will be participating in spring sports, please take time to review the following Youth Sports Safety Quiz developed by the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, Inc. The questions below address several key safety issues. See how many you can answer yes to, then you will have a better idea how to judge the sports activities your child participates in.

Safety Quiz

How safe are the sports activities your children participate in?

Are the coaches in your community certified in sports first aid and CPR? This includes coaches involved in school sports as well as volunteer coaches who run youth leagues.
Are the coaches certified by either the: National Governing Body of Their Sport, American Red Cross Sports Safety Training Program, National Youth Sports Coaches Association or American Sports Education Program?
Are background checks done on coaches before they are hired?
Does the coach have a written emergency plan in case of an accident, and has it been rehearsed?
Is there a first aid box and ice at the site of all practice and games?
Pull-upsDoes the coach have the youngsters do warm-ups, stretching, and cool down exercises?
Does the coach hand out a conditioning program before signups, so the children know before they go out for a team what is expected of them physically? (This usually applies to older children.)
Does your town have a sports injury prevention course for students as part of their health education program?
Are pre-participation physical exams required for sports activities?
Are the facilities checked for safety on a regular basis?
Is safety equipment available or required? If yes: Does it fit properly? Does it meet national standards? Is it in good condition?
Does the team have a sports parent code of conduct? (See below)
Does the team have a pre-season meeting for parents outlining the program philosophy and safety procedures?

SPORT PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

On September 23, 2000, more than thirty heads of Massachusetts' chapters of national sports and medical associations, educational organizations, and professional associations met at Children's Hospital in Boston to participate in a consensus meeting to develop a sport parent code of conduct for the state. The meeting was convened by the Massachusetts Governor's Committee on Physical Fitness and Sports and the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, Inc. This is a great philosophy to adopt and keep in the forefront of all sports activities.

Preamble

The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these "six pillars of character."

SPORT PARENT/GUARDIAN CODE OF CONDUCT

I therefore agree:

I will not force my child to participate in sports.
I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.
I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.
I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.
I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of the athletes.
I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
I will teach my child that doing one's best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.
I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participant for making a mistake or losing a competition.
I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.
I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.
I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.

Here are Some Exercises that Do No Good:

Climbing the walls
Dragging you heels
Grasping at straws
Skipping your meals
Tilting at windmills
Spinning your wheels
Jumping the gun
Passing the buck
Kicking yourself
Pushing your luck
Stretching the truth
Running amok