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Sports

My 6-year-old wants to play sports. Is he too young and how do I make sure he stays safe when playing a sport?

Before school age, children should stay physically active and healthy through unstructured "free play." For preschool-aged children, "sports" classes that emphasize fun are a great way to introduce athletics without competition. Most older children are ready for organized team sports when they are about 6 years of age. This is when they can follow directions and understand the concept of teamwork. Beginning around age 8, contact sports may be acceptable.

Keep in mind that all children are unique individuals. They grow and mature at different rates. Age, weight, and size shouldn't be the only measures used to decide if your child is ready to play a sport. Emotional development is also important. Children shouldn't be pushed into a sport or be placed in a competition they are not physically or emotionally ready to handle. Consider allowing your child to participate only if his interest is strong and you feel he can handle it. Remember, most children play sports to have fun.

Risks of injury in sports

All sports have a risk of injury; some more than others. In general, the more contact in a sport, the greater the risk of injury.

Most sports injuries involve the soft tissues of the body, not the bones. Only about 5% of sports injuries involve broken bones. However, the areas where bones grow in children are at more risk of injury during the rapid growth phase of puberty.

The main types of sports injuries are sprains (injuries to ligaments) and strains (injuries to muscles). Many injuries are caused by overuse. Overuse is when a child overdoes it (by pitching too many innings, for example). This places stress on the tendons, joints, bones, and muscles and can cause damage.

How to reduce risks

  • Wear the right gear. Players should wear the appropriate protective equipment such as pads (neck, shoulder, elbow, chest, knee, shin), helmets, mouthpieces, face guards, protective cups, and/or eyewear.
  • Increase flexibility. Stretching exercises before and after games can help increase flexibility of muscles and ligaments used in play.
  • Strengthen muscles. Conditioning exercises during practice and before games can help strengthen muscles used in play.
  • Use the proper technique. Proper technique should be reinforced throughout the season of play.
  • Take breaks. Rest periods are important during practice and games to reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
  • Play safe. There should be strict rules against headfirst sliding (in baseball and softball), spearing (in football), and body checking (in ice hockey) to prevent serious head and spine injuries.
  • Stop the workout if there is pain.
  • Avoid heat injury. Heat injury or illness results from excessive exercise in high temperature and humidity. Rules for safe exercise in the heat include the following:
    • Drink plenty of proper fluids before, during, and after exercise or play.
    • Decrease or stop practices or competitions during periods when the combination of excessive heat and humidity approaches dangerous levels.
    • Wear lightweight clothing.

It's also important to make sure your child has a complete physical exam by your pediatrician before participating in any sport. Most organized sports teams require an exam before a child can play. These exams are not designed to stop children from participating, but to make sure they are in good health and can safely play the game.

 

Published online: 3/07
Source: Sports and Your Child (Copyright © 2005 American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 10/05)

Healthcare professionals may order this publication in multi-copy packs.
Parents can find more information on this topic in Caring for Your School-Age Child: Ages 5 to 12. To order a copy of this book visit the AAP Bookstore.

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The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.



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