Sports safety

With the start of fall sports now in full swing and children returning to school, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) has issued timely guidelines to ensure sports safety.

NATA recommends the following tips for school staff and athletes:
Pre-participation exam – children participating in sports should receive a general health exam prior to activity.

Emergency plan – develop a written emergency plan in consultation with local emergency medical service.

Appropriate safety gear – make sure masks, gloves, pads and other gear fit properly and inspect gear regularly to assure it’s in good condition.

Preconditioning and training – coaches and trainers should ensure children are physically and mentally conditioned to participate in team sports.

Facility safety inspection – remove debris, water, rocks and other hazards from the field and consider weather conditions.

First aid – keep a kit on site for medical emergencies

For more information on youth sports and sports safety, please visit http://www.nata.org/youthsports/index.htm.