| Football is a dangerous sport. Players endure | | | | the coach is responsible for conditioning or if the |
| bruising contact, long practices in hot weather and | | | | program has a trainer that works with children. |
| all sorts of unusual stresses and strains on their | | | | Dehydration is a critical issue among football |
| muscles, ligaments and tendons. It is not possible | | | | players since practices typically occur outdoors |
| to prevent injuries in the game of football and for | | | | during the hottest part of the summer. Ask the |
| this reason many parents are hesitant to allow | | | | coach what measures are taken to prevent |
| their children to participate. But the risk of injury | | | | dehydration. Know that fluid breaks should be |
| can be minimized with cooperation between | | | | taken about every 45 minutes and players should |
| parents, doctors and coaches. | | | | be allowed to drink all they want in order to keep |
| When your child comes to you and asks to try | | | | properly hydrated. Also ask whether the coach, |
| out for football, your answer should always be | | | | trainers or other personnel are certified in CPR. |
| contingent on the results of a full medical checkup. | | | | Wearing protective equipment is a given, but you |
| Be sure that the doctor knows that it is a sports | | | | need to work with the coach to ensure that it fits |
| physical so that he or she can check for the | | | | properly. Whether or not the program requires it, |
| appropriate things like joint flexibility and heart | | | | your child should wear a mouth guard. Mouth |
| health. After your child is cleared medically, then | | | | guards are instrumental in preventing dental |
| you can move on to investigating the program | | | | injuries and can protect against jaw and certain |
| and learning what safety measures are provided. | | | | types of head injuries as well. |
| One of the most important facets of avoiding | | | | Ask what medical staff will be on hand during |
| injury in any sport is maintaining proper | | | | practices and games should an injury occur. To |
| conditioning through exercise and good nutrition. | | | | prepare for the worst-case scenario, consider |
| Ask your child's potential coach how conditioning is | | | | giving the coach or trainer an emergency health |
| handled. Year-round conditioning is ideal, but barring | | | | care authorization letter. This letter will allow your |
| that, children should participate in appropriate | | | | child to be transported and treated at a hospital |
| conditioning programs for at least six weeks prior | | | | even if you are not there to give permission. |
| to the beginning of regular practices. Ask whether | | | | |