Kid Safety Sports Checklist For Parents Helps To Keep The Game Ball On Safety

Sports Safety Should Be Priority No. 1

The kid safety checklist below contains some recommendations from the SAFE KIDS Campaign: Protecting Kids From Their Number One Killer--Unintentional Injury; the National Safety Council; and from area physicians:

Is my child in shape and possess an adequate stamina level to support the particular sport?

Has my child's doctor provided a recent physical examination, and are there any concerns or warnings that I should be aware of and perhaps provide to the coach?

Does my child comprehend the sport (understand game and/or know basic skills) and agree to the commitment level specified?

Does my child want to play this support or am I forcing him/her to participate?

Have arrangements been made for water at the practice field, games, or gym, and are appropriate water breaks and/or rest breaks provided? Do I know what the coach's rules are regarding water/rest breaks?

Are there rules/ regulations regarding outdoor practices in the event of extreme heat or cold, during inclement weather, or air pollution watches? Does the coach adhere to these? Are parents informed about these rules?

What type of transportation arrangements are made regarding team travel or carpools? What kid safety rules are put into practice? What about the use of seat belts, booster seats (if needed), occupancy loads, and other provisions? Am I comfortable with how my child might be traveling? Do I know or trust the driver?

Is my child provided with an appropriate warm up and then cool down before and after playing a sport? Are appropriate stretching exercises and techniques utilized or are kids just told to go warm up on their own?

Does my kid have appropriate protective gear that fits and is in working condition? Do coaches check for compliance?

Do I apply sunscreen on my child before outdoor practice or games? (This should be a parent responsibility; not a coach's task).

What is the condition of the field surface, playing area, or gym floor or mat? Are they safe? Level? Are their any holes or areas where kids can trip and fall? Who inspects the fields? What are the minimum requirements for play?

Is my child supervised at all times? Is there at least one other adult always present? Is there any situation in which a coach might be one-on-one with my child, and am I comfortable with this arrangement, if so?

What happens if a child is injured? What are the rules concerning a child playing with a slight injury, watching the game from the sideline, attending practice if ill (and what is the definition of "illness" according to the coach), and are there consequences to illness or injury?

What are the behavioral guidelines and are there consequences? How are teamwork, good sportsmanship, respect, and paying attention emphasized? Are there spectator sportsmanship rules?

Is there a referee, umpire, judge, or other type of official at games? Is this a professional or volunteer position? If a call or action is disputed, is there an established grievance procedure that still sets the example of positive sportsmanship for children? Are parents informed of this in advance of games or competitions?

Does my child have a clear expectation of what he/she is supposed to do at a competition or game? Have I discussed winning, losing, doing your best, and making a best effort?

Am I sure I am keeping the participation in sports fun and healthy for my child? Is my child enjoying himself/herself? Does my child look forward to attending practices and games, or do I have to force participation?

Remember, children learn from their parents and other adult role-models, so it is up to you to help make your child's participation in sports a positive and memorable experience...while keeping an eye on kid safety. Above all, have fun and encourage good sportsmanship and physical fitness so the whole family can have a winning season!