Keeping safe while playing baseball
One of the most popular participant sports in the U.S. is baseball.
Over 40 million American adults and children play in softball and
baseball leagues. But with so many people playing softball and baseball,
injuries are bound to happen.
It is very import to utilize protective gear when playing softball or
baseball. In order to avoid injuries, there are some safety tips you
should follow. Wear your equipment correctly. Wear a helmet when you are
up to bat, when on deck (next in line to bat) and when running the
bases. Some helmets come equipped with facial protection, especially
those used in youth sports. If you are hit with a ball, the devices used
to protect your face can greatly reduce the risk of injury.
The catcher should utilize a catcher's mitt that is the correct size.
Catchers also need to wear a helmet, face mask, chest protector, throat
guard, shin guards and protective supporter.
Shoes with steel spikes should not be worn, especially in youth leagues.
Baseball shoes that are molded, with cleats should be worn instead.
Another safety precaution is to examine the field before playing to make
sure it is free from holes, glass, sharp objects, and other debris.
If you are a pitcher, you need to monitor your performance techniques in
order to reduce injuries. Many injuries happen due to excessive
pitching. These injuries can be prevented if a few guidelines are
followed. The pitcher should not participate in too many innings or
throw too many pitches. Perhaps a rule of allowing a maximum innings
pitched per week, should be adopted. Depending on the age of the
pitcher, this could mean anywhere from four to ten innings. You may also
institute a rule of a maximum amount of pitches thrown, such as 80 to
100 pitches per game or 30 to 40 pitches per practice. Utilizing such
guidelines would help reduce shoulder and elbow problems experienced by
the pitcher. A child who experiences pain from pitching should not be
allowed to pitch until the pain subsides.
Many injuries also occur as a result of sliding into bases. It is
estimated that sliding injuries incur $2 billion in medical costs each
year. These types of injuries could be much lower if breakaway bases
were installed on the fields. The breakaway bases have a safety release
that gives way if a runner slides into the base. They are snapped onto
grommets and attached to a rubber mat that is anchored to the ground.
(With normal base running, the bases will not give way.) Whereas with
traditional bases they are bolted to a metal post dug into the ground.
As a result, they may be dangerous if a runner is sliding into the base.
Orthopedic surgeons across the country have encouraged communities to
install breakaway bases to prevent sliding injuries.
|
Home- batting cages
|
