Part of being on a team is defending and protecting your teammates. One of the best ways that athletes can do this is to wear a mask or cloth face covering to reduce the
risk of spreading
COVID-19 through respiratory droplets. It is important that families of young athletes understand their
risk and know how to protect themselves.
Cloth face coverings help young athletes protect their teammates and themselves. They also help protect the sports season. Whenever safe and possible, athletes should wear a cloth face covering. Exceptions include when they are actively exercising.
Here's a rundown on what you need to know about kids and masks during sports
Athletes should wear a cloth face covering over the nose and mouth when:
On the sideline bench or in dugouts.
Participating in team chats.
Going to and from the field, court, gym, pool, etc.
Cloth face coverings are particularly important when:
Face coverings should never be worn when performing:
Make masks a habit
Wearing a cloth face covering may feel different at first. Here are some ways you can help your kids get used to them:
Find a cloth face covering that your child can put on and take off themselves. Make sure it covers their nose and mouth and is comfortable for them to wear.
Have your child practice wearing it while doing drills or playing their sport before the season starts.
Have a special place to store the cloth face covering. For example, your child might keep it in the same spot in their sports bag when they are not wearing it.
Keep it clean
Just like you should
sanitize sports equipment before and after each use, wash cloth face coverings daily in hot water.
Do not reuse them until they have been cleaned.
Set a good example
Coaches and spectators are also encouraged to protect themselves and others by wearing a cloth face covering. By doing this, they are also setting a good example for young athletes. Coaches should wear cloth face coverings when interacting with athletes. Spectators should wear cloth face coverings, especially when indoors or when physical distance of 6 feet cannot be maintained.
More Information
Along with the American Academy of Pediatrics, this information was developed jointly by:
