The sound of the soccer ball slamming into the goalie’s chest was so loud that it quieted all the fans on the sidelines. The ref hadn’t blown his whistle yet and the ball bounced free, in front of the net, yet none of the players made a move towards the ball.
Everyone stood transfixed, watching to see if the goalie was okay after taking that hit. I was trying to stop myself from rushing the field since that goalie was my son.
But, he manged to get up and give us a thumbs up, earning applause even from the other team who wished that hard hit had been a goal.
In another soccer game, one of my boys was laid out flat on the ground, not getting up for a few minutes, after he and another child collided when they were going after the ball. I was about half a second away from running onto the field screaming when he sat up.
Though we’ve had some close calls, my boys have yet to have a serious sports injury. But with three boys who are all involved in multiple sports(though not football yet), that day is most likely coming. But the chances of them happening can be reduced if you follow(and teach your kids to follow) some safety tips.
Sports Safety Tips
- Use the right equipment. Use all necessary safety gear, whether those are pads, helmets, shin guards, etc. If you’re supposed to wear it, don’t skip it!
- Follow the rules. Fouls are fouls for a reason. Follow the rules to keep yourself and others safe.
- Listen to your body. If you’re hurt or feel pain, let the coach know. Better to have to sit out for a little bit than to get really injured.
- Listen to your doctor. If you’re told to rest for a certain number of days, weeks, or even months, you need to follow doctor’s orders and be sure to check with your doctor before resuming activity after an injury.
- Make sure you’re covered. Because accidents do happen. But when a covered accident happens, supplemental accident insurance pays the policyholder cash benefits for the unexpected medical and everyday expenses that begin to add up almost immediately.
Aflac could help cover these and other expenses that may not be fully covered by your major medical insurance: broken teeth, concussions, ambulance(ground and air), emergency room visits, and lacerations.
While I hate to think about any of us getting injured, I’d rather be prepared in case it does happen.
Click for more information about Aflac.
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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.
I was an athlete in middle school, high school and college. Accidents definitely happened and I know my mom was so relieved to have coverage for the random visits we’d have to make because of said accidents!
These are all great safety tips. I would have been running out onto the field freaking out. Kudos to you for keeping your cool.
My kids were never into sports, but all my nieces and nephews are. They definitely remind me of the importance of being safe when it comes to sports and other activities. They’re always getting injured. Thank goodness for helmets!
Great safety tips! We are not into sports yet around here, so I will pass these tips onto my sister!
Sports can be dangerous. I can not imagine having three active boys in sports.
My son got hurt playing football once. I absolutely was that freaked out parent. It’s scary to watch and not be able to help!
Great tips to remember!
It’s wonderful to play sports and get exercise, but injuries do happen. This sounds like a great coverage for that possibility!
Injuries happen with sports. So glad AFLAC can be there when you need it.
My son is only 3, but I know that he will want to play sports in a few short years! I will have to keep all of these tips in mind and make sure that he knows his limits!
Injuries happen all the time. It’s nice to be guarded with safety tips about sports.
Sports safety is so important. Thank goodness schools are realizing the importance and putting more into being safe.
So glad your boys haven’t been seriously injured. I haven’t gotten my boys into sports yet. But I’m sure I’m headed for a few injuries.
My breath stopped reading the post, esp. when you said it was your son who took the hit. I’ve got a soccer boy too. I’m much better than I used to be. My older two played football. The first time the oldest got hit, I actually said out loud, ‘Don’t hit him!” It just slipped right out, I didn’t even know I was going to say it, lolol. Thankfully, I was on the bleachers so he didn’t hear me, but the parents around me probably thought I was crazy. 😉 Love the list of safety tips you’ve provided here. Always better safe than sorry!
I could totally see myself yelling out something like that. That’s my baby, don’t hurt him! LOL
I worry about safety a lot now that my son has started soccer. Thanks for the tips!
A lot of great tips. Last year kiddo was really big in to ballet. This year she has swapped the ballerina shoes for basketball. So far, so good.
You’re so right: accidents DO happen. It is important to be safe!
As a runner, I definitely listen to my body. I usually listen to my doctor too since I’ve got one that I really trust. Injuries are no fun!
if anything I love the Aflac commercials. especially the yoga one! I think they have great options for the unforeseen
So glad your son was okay! Aflac has come in handy for us twice – thankfully we had it!
Such scary experiences!! I’m not ready to experience this with my children :\
My husband played soccer in highschool and I was at the game when he tore his ACL. It was heartbreaking for both of us. Me to watch it, and him to know his season was over.
So glad your boys have not been seriously hurt, but you are so right that accidents do happen! It’s good to be prepared.
I’ve heard great things about AFLAC. Thank you for sharing this information. 🙂