Do your kiddos play sports? We’ve tried several with each of the boys. Our older son’s favorite is soccer (Yeah-it was a little wet this weekend)! He’s been playing for several years now, and it’s so exciting to see how the boys have progressed from following the ball around in a big bunch (We call it, “Blob ball,”) to actually playing their positions and passing.
I will admit that I sometimes cringe when I see them running into each other and hitting the ball with their heads. Hey, their brains are in there! Yep, it can be nerve wracking to be a sports mom, and while I sometimes wish the boys would just stick to checkers, I’ve realized a more realistic plan is to make sure they have the right gear and instruction.
Our friends at Aflac provided some other tips for sports safety I thought you might enjoy. While a few are specific to youth football, I think you’ll find them to be smart ideas for any sport. I’d love you to share your best advice, too.
Safety Tips For Youth Athletes
- Football = lots of gear! Some equipment may look “optional,” but it is important to wear all necessary pads and safety gear each time you play. If you show up for a practice or game without it, alert your coach immediately.
- Follow the rules They keep the game fair, and they help keep athletes safe. Illegal plays can be seriously dangerous.
- Listen to your body If at any point you feel pain or discomfort while playing, notify your coach and get out of the game. While sitting on the sidelines is one of the most difficult situations a player can face,pushing through injuries increases the severity and keeps you out of action longer.
- Take the doctor’s orders After experiencing a sports injury, the first question a player often asks is, “When can I play again?” The answer depends on the injury. Always listen to your doctor.
- Choose your coach wisely. This one is a tip from the SFM house. Our boys have had amazing coaches and instructors. If you find yourself on a team where the coach seems to have a, “Win at all costs,” kind of attitude, there is a good chance he/she isn’t making safety a priority. My two cents? I’d find another team.
Of course, accidents do happen-both on and off the field. Aflac’s supplemental insurance can make it a lot easier to cope with those unexpected expenses-and if you’ve ever even stepped foot in the emergency room, you know those can add up fast. You can get more information about supplemental insurance from Aflac right here. You can also follow the Aflac duck on Facebook, or Twitter .
You might have noticed that Aflac is running a season long campaign in partnership with Heisman Trophy, and everybody’s favorite duck has a new spot out, too.
The Aflac team also invites you to enter the Ultimate College Football Experiences Sweepstakes- for your chance at one of three amazing prize packages.
#AflacSweeps winners will be announced Oct. 28, Nov. 4 and Nov. 11, and each prize package includes:
- Two tickets to the biggest college football game of the weekend
- Meet and greet with Desmond Howard
- Round trip airfare
- Hotel
- Ground transportation to and from events
- $500 prepaid debit card for food and other expenses
***** To enter, just head here. ****
CONSUMER NOTICE: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. Open to legal permanent residents of 50 U.S. states and DC, 21 or older, who have Internet access and valid email address prior to 08/28/14. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds and prize descriptions, click here: https://www.facebook.com/aflacduck/app_143103275748075. This sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Twitter. For a winner’s list (after 11/10/14), visit the Ultimate College Football Experience tab of this page or mail request to Aflac “Ultimate College Football Experience” (Specify Winner List), Media Relations, 1932 Wynnton Road, Columbus, GA 31999. Sponsor: American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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