The pandemic has brought upon a whole new list of problems and issues for parents and experts to solve. Reimagining what classrooms look like and how daycares are operating are just the tip of the iceberg.  Maintaining some semblance of “normal” is extremely important to the growth and development of our children.

So where does that leave team sports?

The American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP, has released interim guidance for parents.  Within the guidelines, the AAP outlines safety precautions that should be in place to ensure maximum safety.

Of course, before getting into the nitty gritty, the AAP points out that children benefit from sports more than just physically – it’s a psychological experience that instigates socializing which is critical for development. 

One of the authors of the guidelines, Susannah M. Briskin, MD FAAP, explains that before making any final decision, it is imperative parents consult their pediatrician.  Local doctors will be more abreast of what is going on in local areas – local disease activity, unique circumstances and family history.  Dr. Briskin also explains that we must expect sports governing bodies to modify practices, competitions and events per CDC recommendations.  She also lays out the value of an annual health visit. 

“Before returning to sports, all children should have an annual health visit that ideally includes pre-participation physical evaluation, which most parents know as a sports exam,” said Dr. Briskin. “If kids have not been physically active for a lengthy period of time, they are at higher risk of an overuse injury.”

The AAP then outlines what families, coaches and teams need to do in order to maintain safety:

1.     Prioritize Social Distancing
2.     Wear Masks 
3.     Keep Things Clean
4.     Don’t Share Equipment
5.     Stay Home when Needed

If these precautions are followed, experts believe risks can be decreased.  This isn’t just about the health of our children, though.  These precautions help limit the risk of passing the infections to adult coaches, officials and/or family.  

Of course, at the end of the day, if you are going to allow your children to participate in team sports, it is important to understand that precautions help decrease risks but risks cannot be completely eliminated. 

To view the clinical guidelines as determined by the AAP, click here.