Are Contact Sports Safe for Kids?

Inside: Are contact sports safe for kids? Weighing the risks versus rewards of playing sports plus how to help protect your child. Sponsored by ActionArmor™

Are Contact Sports Safe for Kids?

There’s been a lot of talk in the news over the past few years about the dangers of contact sports, especially concussions suffered by football players (all the way through the professional level).

According to many doctors, high-risk contact sports for kids include:

American football
Hockey
Rugby
Wrestling
Boxing
Mixed Martial Arts
Soccer

I personally know some parents who have made the decision not to allow their kids to play football because of the risk of concussion. However, it seems like football remains as popular as ever, and the playing fields are still packed every Fall.

While my girls haven’t expressed interest in most of the above sports, they both enjoy horseback riding, soccer, and gymnastics — and all sports (even non-contact sports) carry a certain degree of risk.

Many Experts Say the Rewards Outweigh the Risks

Keeping your child out of sports altogether isn’t really a safe option either. According to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity is potentially more dangerous than playing contact sports.

Exercising and participating in sports can have a lifelong positive impact for kids, including:

Physical benefits – such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers
Mental health benefits – such as lowering the risk of depression
Life skills – such as teamwork, discipline, and leadership

The risks of team sports can often be minimized by taking precautions and following recommended safety advice.

The decision whether or not to allow a child to participate in a sport comes down to the parent, and it has to be one that you are comfortable with.

If your child plays any sports (contact and non-contact), the following are some of the most important ways to keep them as safe possible.

How to Keep Your Kids Safe When They Play Sports

Always Follow the Rules — Rules are there for a reason, namely to keep things fair and to keep players safe, so don’t break ’em!
Wear Protective Gear — Always wear recommended protective gear for the specific sport your child plays. All protective equipment is not created equal, so I find it helpful to read reviews or ask the advice of the coach before shopping. For example, youth soccer leagues usually require shin guards for players, but not all shin guards available in stores offer the same amount of coverage. Look for the equipment that provides the best coverage and protection possible.
Get a Yearly Physical — Many leagues require passing physical exam before joining, but even if they don’t, it is still a good idea to have your child checked out by their pediatrician or a sports doctor each season. Sometimes a doctor can catch health issues that may not be obvious.
Stay Hydrated — Make sure your child drinks plenty of water before, during, and after each sporting event. Dehydration can be dangerous, but it is preventable. Water is best for hydrating, as many sports drinks contain a large amount of sugar.
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*Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and some of the research information for this article is provided by third-party sources. While I make every effort to check all my sources for factuality and accuracy, I cannot make guarantees on this information. All sports carry a certain degree of risk, and it is the responsibility of parents to determine what risks are appropriate for their children. No protective equipment or supplements can 100% prevent injury.