BreeAnn Silcox, coalition coordinator, Safe Kids Bear River
Each day, 3,400 children sustain a sports injury severe enough to go to the emergency room. There are, however, many things parents, coaches and athletes can do to help prevent sports-related injuries.
Safe Kids Bear River has some strategies for teens, parents and coaches to help keep young athletes safe while playing sports.
- Set the ground rules at the beginning of the season. Coaches meet with parents and athletes before the season to agree on the team’s approach to prevent injuries.
- Encourage athletes to speak up. Remove injured athletes from play.
- Teach athletes ways to prevent injuries. Help your children learn proper techniques for strength training, warm-up exercises and stretching to prevent injuries.
- Put an end to rule-breaking. Call fouls that could cause injuries.
- Get certified. Learn first aid, CPR, AED use and injury prevention skills.
- Prevent overuse injuries. Encourage athletes to take time off from playing only one sport to prevent overuse injuries, and give them an opportunity to get stronger and develop skills in another sport.
To learn more, call the Bear River Health Department at (435) 792-6500 or visit safekids.org.
