Playing a sport gives your child lots of exercise, and they'll want to take better care of their health when they know that their team depends upon on them to be ready to go out on the field. While your child's interest in sports is a great way to encourage teamwork, you might be worried about the potential downsides of playing with other kids in a competitive environment. Your child's coach will do their part to keep them safe during games, but it always helps to have additional support. Talking to your child's pediatrician about their interest in team sports helps them provide you with these essential services.

Get a Sports Physical Before the Season Starts

Some sports leagues and schools require players to get a physical before they are allowed to attend practice. Others might overlook this essential safety guideline. Either way, you can take your child to their doctor to get a thorough physical. This exam checks for things such as weak joints that might pose a problem in a high-impact sport. The doctor can also do a hearing and vision screening to make sure that your child can hear their coach's warnings from across the field and see objects or other players that are heading their way. Making sure that your child is physically fit prevents serious accidents.

Reinforce the Importance of Following Safety Guidelines

Most sports require some type of safety equipment. For example, wearing a mouthguard is recommended for people who play sports that could cause them to experience a blow to the face. Football players need to wear helmets, and younger players may be asked to wait until they are older to tackle the other team. Young players may not always recognize the dangers that they face in their sport, but their doctor can talk to them in an age-appropriate way. They can also recommend ways to avoid heatstroke and dehydration during intense playing times. 

Educate You and Your Child About Common Sports Injuries

By now, you are probably aware of how to treat a scraped knee, but sports open up a whole new ballgame when it comes to injuries. Sports parents often have questions such as when they should seek pediatrician services for issues such as a painful ankle. Or, you might wonder about how to watch for a serious head injury. These topics are all part of your child's doctor's expertise. They'll let you know what to watch out for and can give your child an exam when they need to make sure that they are okay after a major fall or collision.