How Do You Know If Your Child Is Ready For School Sports?

Is your child ready to take on a school sport? Even if you played for your school's team back in the day, your child might have a few more hoops to jump through before they're able to join the fray. Here are some of the most important things to consider when you want your child to join a sport at their school. 

Is the sport suitable for their age? 

If you played a sport like football your entire life, it might be tempting to get your child involved as early as possible. Unfortunately, medical professionals advise against children playing contact sports before the age of six. This is because your child is going through various stages of development as they grow. It's safer for the child to start playing contact sports like soccer and boxing in middle school where they can control their bodies better and make smarter decisions on the field (or court). 

You're better off getting your child involved with a sport like baseball or tennis when they're young. This will help them develop their cardiovascular endurance before allowing them to play a rough-and-tumble game like football or wrestling. Sports like basketball are also far less contact-heavy than games like football, which can promote leadership skills, working as a valued teammate, and more. If you're unsure about what sports are right for your child, ask them what they like and double-check with your doctor before signing up. Speaking of which... 

Get a physical performed 

School physicals are performed every year in order to monitor your child's growth and development. However, most athletes also have to take part in a sports physical around six to eight weeks before the sports season begins. This pre=participation physical exam (PPE) is designed to assess your child's health and ensure that they're prepared for the fitness requirements of the activity. For example, many older athletes are unable to play in high school games if they've suffered from an injury in the past that could get worse through continued play. Past conditions that run in the family, like asthma, could also necessitate a trip to the allergist to ensure your child is fit for play. 

Your typical sports physical can be performed with your general care physician. If your doctor is unavailable to perform a physical in time, however, many urgent care facilities can get the job done. You can prove that your child has performed a sports physical by getting a sign-off from the doctor or nurse who performed the physical. 

Make sure they're prepared for the commitment 

Even if your child wants to play sports, they might not realize the amount of time and effort that it involves. And that's okay! Encourage your child to try out a variety of sports in order to see what they like. In most cases, kids might be allured by the glory of a certain sport by watching it on television only to realize that they hate it later. It can be tempting to get frustrated by your child's apparent indecisiveness, but with a little luck and a few different tries, your child is sure to find a sport that's right for them. And if they still hate committing long hours after school, encouraging them to join a sports club instead of a team might be a better option. 

Raising an athlete comes with a lot of questions. For more information, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor.