Protecting Your Team from the Sun
You’ve heard about sun exposure and skin cancer, but have you applied your knowledge to protecting your youngster or your team? When teams are playing in baseball tournaments, series or play-offs many games are scheduled right in the middle of the day.
I live in Florida and have coached for many years and have added protecting my team players from the sun as just another duty a coach should perform. If your team should travel or go to Cooperstown, you’ll be responsible for being sure no one gets burned.
- Be sure sunscreen is listed in the list of items team members are to bring with them on road trips.
- Have an extra bottle of sports 50 sunscreen available if a player runs out.
- Instruct players to bring to your attention any redness or burning look they see on other team members.
- All races and all skin tones need sun protection.
Parents should:
- Instruct kids about the need and use of sunscreen.
- Train kids to include applying sunscreen as part of their daily routine. Try putting the sunscreen next to the toothpaste.
- Provide adequate cover ups, such as wider brimmed hats when not playing ball, long sleeved lightweight t-shirts. (Caution: these shirts will only provide a small amount of protection.)
- Consider letting your kid get a haircut that allows the top of the ear to be covered.
Even on cloudy days, sun protection is necessary. One of my worst burns happened in Florida on a very cloudy day.
Good luck and a have a great season.