Dodgeball is one of the most enjoyable games ever played among kids. The game is a great way through which kids can have fun, stay active, and achieve teamwork. However, most people get injured at times when playing dodgeball if safety standards are not observed. This article is going to show you how to play safely so that everyone can play the game without facing any problems.
1.Safety Equipment
Eye goggles
Safety goggles are the smart choice. These goggles offer eye protection against impact from a ball hit. Ensure that they fit you well and are built to strength for the protection of your eyes.
Soft Dodgeballs
Choose soft foam dodger balls instead of the hard rubber ones. The soft foam balls are lighter and effect the kids less severely. Therefore, as you select balls, make sure that you get young player-specific balls.
Additional Gear
Consider putting on knee and elbow pads as well. These not only add comfort to the game but also protect you from falls, especially if you are new to the game. You should also wear good athletic shoes that provide grip for quick movements.
2. Designate a Safe Playing Area
Padded Walls
If you play indoors, then check if the gym has padded walls. This avoids injuries, especially during dodging when somebody hits against the walls. In case it does not have any, mats or inflatable barriers will do.
Soft Floors
Play on soft grounds such as a gym mat or rubber floor. Falls are cushioned, and the possibilities of bruises or sprains are minimal. For outdoor, the grassy surface is better than the concrete for the least possibility of hurt as well.
Definite Boundaries
Mark out the playing field clearly using cones or tape. This is especially crucial in case there will be much chaos before the game proper.
3. Warm up and stretch.
Prior to playing, make sure to warm your muscles up by doing the following:
- Warm-Up Exercises: Start with some light running like jogging or jumping jacks for 5-10 minutes
- .Dynamic Stretching: Include arm circles, leg swings, and torso twists to get your body ready to move fast.
- Static Stretching: Once you have warmed up, take a few minutes to stretch out your arms, legs, and back.
4. Safe Rules
There are a few very important rules to have to make sure to play safely:
- No Head Shots: Have it be a rule not to make head shots. If a player is hit with a head shot, they are “out.” This teaches players to throw at a safe place, helping the game to be a more secure one.
- Space: Encourage all the kids to throw the ball safely or to a reasonable distance so that every child has a chance to dodge and at least reduces the likelihood of personal injuries due to bad throwing.
- Time Out for Injuries: Let kids feel safe about exercising their rights to call a timeout when hit or otherwise hurt. This allows all the players to check on each other without disrupting the game.
- Supervised Play: Always play with an adult or a more experienced player to oversee the game and ensure that no foul is committed.
5. What to Do If Someone Gets Hurt
No matter how tight your safety measures are, sometimes things just happen. So, here is what you do in case that happens:
- Sprains or Strains: For minor injuries, remind the injured player to do the R.I.C.E. method—rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Remind them to rest and apply ice to the affected area.
- Cuts and Bruises: Clean and dress all cuts with soap, water, and bandages. Seek the attention of a doctor if bleeding does not stop. Maintain a first aid kit with you whenever you play games.
- Head Injuries: Whenever a person has a head injury, remove him from the field and monitor for concussion, such as when he feels dazed or confused. If the symptoms manifest, seek immediate help from a doctor.
- Emergency Procedures: Make sure you understand what to do when major injuries occur. Also, learn about how to access emergency services and what your designated first aid person does.
Conclusion:
Playing is so much fun, but at the same time, safety comes first. Using the right equipment, a well-designed and well-maintained area, rules, and responses to injury will help to ensure that one gets the joy of playing these games without harm. So go gather your friends, play dodgeball, enjoy, and have lots of fun playing safely.
