The Importance of Safety Equipment in Sports and Exercise

Many physical activities such as walking, require little special equipment. For others, it is essential to have correct equipment to prevent injury. Equipment for an activity may range from general items of clothing to special protective suits or apparatus. In every case it is essential to use the correct equipment and to make sure it is in good condition. For example, there is no point in wearing a helmet if it is so old that it will crack on impact if you fall.

Helmets

There are different types of helmet for different purposes. Players of American football wear helmets to protect their heads during collisions with other players. Cyclists and rock-climbers wear helmets to protect their heads in case of a fall, whereas canoeists wear them in case they capsize and bang their heads on rocks under the water. Amateur boxers and other martial artists where head guards to reduce damage to the brain.

Footwear

Correct footwear is important even for people who do not do much exercise. Shoes or boots need to fit well and provide some cushioning. Many people get blisters on their feet from footwear that does not fit properly. You need to select carefully the shoe that is appropriate for your activity rather than choosing a shoe because it looks good. Footwear that has been worn a lot will not offer the same protection or cushioning as it did when it was new. The amount of wear will depend on how much the footwear has been worn. Old, worn-out shoes need to be replaced.
Many sports require good ankle support to prevent twists and sprains.

Gum shields / mouth guards

These are mainly worn in sports such as hockey, rugby and boxing, where there is a risk of being hit on the mouth. It is important that the gum shield fits properly, so ideally you should consult your dentist.

Protective padding

In cricket, football, hockey and American football, players use various forms of padding to protect them from injury. Cricketers wear leg and arm pads, gloves, a helmet and a box guard to protect them when batting or wicket-keeping. Footballers and hockey players wear shin pads. Hockey goalkeepers also wear leg pads, body pads and helmets to protect them. It is important that the equipment is worn properly and kept in good condition for it to be effective.

Safety equipment

People who take part in outdoor activities use extra safety equipment to protect them. Canoeists and sailors wear buoyancy aids or life jackets in case they fall into the water. Rock-climbers and mountaineers also wear harnesses with ropes attached for safety in case of a fall.

General equipment

Equipments such as rackets, hockey sticks and cricket bats need to be carefully maintained. Blisters and splinters can be avoided if the equipment is given proper care. Goal posts in rugby and fixed posts in netball need to be covered by protective padding in case a player collides with them.

Tweet This Tweet Me!