Intended for US audience only.
Selecting the Right Sport1
Which issues should be considered in selecting a sport? Below are some questions to ask your child’s physician to help make the decision easier.
How old is your child? For many young children, the risks of playing soccer, baseball, or basketball are greatly outweighed by the social pressures to participate in these activities. As children get older, they are more likely to want to participate in organized sports. While different activities tend to be popular among different age groups, some sports, like swimming, tennis, golf, and bike riding, are good choices for everyone.1
What is your family situation? Where you live affects the types of activities you are likely to consider for your child. You’ll also want to think about the overall expense. Are the fees, costs of equipment and instruction within your budget?1
What’s your child’s body type? Your physician can help determine which sports are best for your child’s body type. A heavier child, for example, might enjoy swimming more than gymnastics. Fortunately, there are many sports that are considered safe for children with hemophilia.
Where are your child’s bleeds typically located? Some sports will be eliminated as you carefully assess the child’s bleeding history and present joint condition. For example, if your child has a history of ankle or knee bleeds, he probably shouldn’t take up soccer or other sports that require running.
What are the risks? For each sport, there are risks that must be taken into consideration. Your child’s physician is the best source of advice concerning appropriate physical activities.
Organized or pickup? While pickup sports tend to be less competitive, they may not be as well monitored as organized sports. Organized sports are more competitive, but they are more likely to be supervised and proper equipment used.
What is the skill level? Some sports require more skill than others, and it’s important to make sure that your child is prepared physically. A physical exam can give you peace of mind that your child is ready to take the next step.
What about karate? A sport requiring controlled behavior and self-discipline, karate has many supporters in the hemophilia community.
Is it a contact sport? Just about all healthcare professionals agree that children with hemophilia should avoid rough contact sports because the risks of injury greatly outweigh the benefits.2 If your child does participate in a contact sport, it’s important to protect the child during the sport and to make sure that there are no bleeds in target joints afterward.
What kind of protective gear is required? It’s important for all kids to wear the proper equipment, but particularly for kids with hemophilia. Depending upon the sport, protective gear might include a helmet, kneepads, wrist pads, and elbow pads.
References
- Playing It Safe: Bleeding Disorders, Sports, and Exercise. A publication of the National Hemophilia Foundation.
- All About Hemophilia. A Guide for Families (chapter 10). Can be downloaded from the Canadian Hemophilia society website. Available at http://www.hemophilia.ca. Accessed August 10, 2008.
Note: As always, whatever sport your child chooses to pursue, please check with your physician and/or treatment center to determine the best sport for your child.
