Media Release Apr 06 2008

Be a good winter sport

Every winter the North Shore rings with the sounds of winter sport - boot on football, netball whistles, the thwack of hockey sticks. And it's not just the local ovals that are busy.

Crisp mornings and bright skies see thousands of North Siders heading for the snowfields. Winter sports are a great pleasure and bring the roses to your cheeks but a winter sports injury, particularly to a child, can turn the colder months just around the corner, into a long slog.

Physical fitness takes time so start now to make sure you and your children play safe this winter.

Step One: Get Ready

Adults and children should be reasonably fit before starting a winter sport. Most children and young people are naturally fit and active and may well play summer sports or be part of a school training program. Adults tend to be less prepared.
• Ensure your children train regularly and play a sport and in a position that suits their body type and build. Coaches are now more aware of suiting the position to the child. Teams should be graded so that children play others of like ability and age.
• Adults should plan a fitness routine based on the sport they intend to pursue. If you are planning a ski trip spend at least a month in preparation at home or at the gym. Stretching exercises and general fitness is important.

Step Two: Get Set

Sport can be expensive. Budget to purchase the best equipment you can afford for yourself and your children. Depending on the sport, you need:
1. A well-fitted mouthguard preferably made by your dentist. Mouthguards are recommended even for non-contact sports such as netball and soccer.
2. Good quality boots or sneakers
3. Shin guards, headgear shoulder pads
4. Skies and poles of the right size for your height and ability. You may hire these on site or look for buy/exchange programs.
5. Warm, water-proof clothing

Step Three: Get Going - children's sport

Every year there are articles and TV programs about the 'ugly parent' syndrome in children's sport. Young children play sport for fun, fitness and skill development. Winning or losing is part of the experience and most of us get to do a bit of both. Parents should emphasise the pleasure of teamwork and the fun of the game. Be wary of coaches who berate players, play favourites or become unduly impatient.

All players, regardless of skill or aptitude, should get a fair go on the field or court in a variety of positions while they are learning the game. Specialisation takes place later.

Parents should:
• Get there on time. Check directions ahead of time and don't risk an automobile accident.
• Applaud ALL good play on the part of both teams
• Be positive and encouraging
• Emphasise good sportsmanship by being one. Discourage 'sledging'. It's a nasty business.
• Accept and support referees' decisions
• Not tolerate fighting, bad language, rudeness to referees or other players
• Expect children to play robustly and support their team
• Not criticise other players
• Provide each team member with their own, named, drink bottle
• Bring asthma or other medication if required
• Support your coach and manager by helping/volunteering when necessary and even consider training to coach or manage a team

Step Four: Adult sport

If you are well prepared and well equipped you are well on the way. But remember these few simple rules:
1. Don't be pushed or bullied into a game or down a slope that is more than you can manage
2. Stop before you become exhausted
3. Don't allow ego or bravado to take the place of common sense
4. Don't play sport under the influence of alcohol

Step Five: Injuries

Fortunately most sports injuries are not serious. Common sense and a reasonable first aid kit will take care of most problems. Remember
R*I*C*E and you won't go wrong.
R - rest
I - ice
C - compression
E - elevation

Serious injuries require immediate hospital attention including suspected fractures, ligament and tendon problems, back and head injuries.

RNSH neurosurgeons are adamant that a player who suffers a head injury especially one in which they have lost consciousness, even briefly, should most certainly NOT play again that day and requires a complete examination at hospital.

NB: Never ignore an injury or allow someone to continue or resume play with a suspected injury. Not even the grand final!

Hope you have a great winter of sporting fun and lots of wins. Oh yes… I'll have a sausage with the works!

Media Contact: Kristen Bunyard 02 9926 7199 or 0413 025 742

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