Youth sports are a central part of American families. In a sense youth sports are as common as eating hotdogs at a baseball game. For the last few years there has been a debate about whether or not playing sports is good for children. Participating in any sport has its pros and cons, no matter the age. A majority of parents only focus on the physical health aspect of sports and the risk of injury that may come from sports, but sports can improve a child in a variety of ways. Playing sports is good for children because it allows them the chance to develop character, build self-esteem and learn to work in a team environment. Starting children in sports at a young age helps them develop character. The definition of character is, “moral or ethical …show more content…
Statistics have shown that injuries have risen in the past few years in youth sports do to overuse. This may be true; however children can get hurt in everyday activities such as riding a bike or playing on the monkey bars at recess. Though injury can happen anywhere, this is an issue that can be monitored. Parents and coaches can actively follow a number of steps that help prevent and treat injuries. For instance, make sure the players are always hydrated and have a warm-up and cool down routine during practices. This routine helps assist the body in a repair process. Also, enroll your children in sports that have adults on staff who are certified and can help care for an on practice injury. More importantly, if a child tells you they are in pain as a parent or coach simply have them sit the rest of the event out. There health comes first. In addition, parents should always keep in mind the treatment RICE (rest, ice, compress, elevate). When it comes to soft or moderate sprain injuries RICE is the best route to follow and the injury should heal in a matter of days. If pain worsens the child should be taken to seek medical treatment. All in all, some of the many lessons that come from playing sports outweigh the risk of injury. The majority of injuries resulting from youth sports can be properly taken care of and even prevented within the right organizations, but traits like character and self-esteem are easier to develop earlier in life especially while participating in