Youth Sports During COVID-19
As youth sports start back up in some communities, remember these steps to help keep players, coaches and families safer during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Before the sports season starts:
☐Understand the new safety rules and expectations for participation during COVID-19.☐Each child should have their own cloth face covering, hand sanitizer, towel, water bottle, and tissues labeled with their names.☐All youth athletes should have an up-to-date sports physical before participating. To book your Kids First sports physical call us at 919-250-3478Prior to practice or games:
☐ Athletes should stay home from practice or games if they’re feeling sick or have a fever.☐Wash hands before arriving, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.☐Bring labeled (with name) personal sports equipment, water bottle, towel, tissues, hand sanitizer, and cloth face covering.☐Stay in the car or assigned school location until the coach is ready to start practice☐Avoid gathering in groups before practice, maintain social distance and wear a cloth face mask.During sports practice or games:
☐Whenever possible, athletes maintain 6-8 feet of physical distance during drills and conditioning.☐When possible and safe, athletes should each wear cloth face covering–especially on the sideline, in dugouts, and during team chats. However, masks should not be worn during:active exercise.water sports.sports where face coverings could get caught on equipment or accidentally cover eyes.☐Avoid these behaviors:Huddles, high-fives, fist bumps, handshakes, etc.Sharing food or drink with teammates.Cheering, chanting, or singing when closer than 6-8 feet from others.Spitting or blowing nose without a tissue.☐Store personal equipment 6-8 feet away from other teammates’ equipment.☐Minimize sharing sports equipment when possible.☐Sanitize hands before and after using shared equipment such as balls, bats, and sticks.☐Tell a coach if you are not feeling well and leave practice or game with a parent or caregiver.After sports practice or games:
☐Sanitize or wash hands.☐Wash cloth face coverings, towel and practices clothes or uniform.☐Clean personal sports equipment and water bottle.Remember
Talk with your child’s pediatrician if you have any questions about youth sports participation safety based on COVID-19 in your community and your child’s health.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, healthychildren.org
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*This article is informational but is not a substitute for medical attention or information from your provider.