How can athletes stay safe while playing in the cold?
When teen athletes take the field for sports during the winter months, it’s a good idea to take extra precautions to avoid injury.
Before cold games or practices, it can be beneficial for teen athletes to:
Wear layers to make it easy to remove or add clothing as conditions and exertion levels change.
Wear technical fabrics that wick moisture and sweat, which can help teens stay dry, close to the body. Staying dry means staying warm – and it may be hard for your teen to get warm again once wet.
Stay hydrated with water or a sports drink.
Maintain a well-balanced diet.
Bring extra shoes, socks, clothes and gloves to replace any item that gets wet.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Sports Medicine team is here for teens in any season. Find out more tips and common cold-weather injuries to prepare for cooler practices and games this winter.
This content has been clinically reviewed by Tiffany Swales, MS, LAT, ATC, a Certified Athletic Trainer and Supervisor at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
This content is general information and is not specific medical advice. Always consult with a doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the health of a child. In case of an urgent concern or emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away.
