about developing a healthy athlete who can continue participating in the sport for years.
Parents Are Part of the Safety Team
Parents also play a critical role.
They can help children understand that safety rules are not obstacles to success.
They are part of success.
Parents can ask simple questions:
How did practice go?
Did anything hurt?
Did you fall?
Did you hit your head?
Did you feel dizzy afterward?
Are you unusually tired?
These conversations create an environment where children feel comfortable speaking honestly.
Parents should also avoid encouraging children to continue skating through significant pain simply because a competition is approaching.
A medal is temporary.
A young athlete’s health matters far more.
The Rink Environment Matters
Individual behavior is only one part of ice safety.
The condition of the rink itself also matters.
Ice can become rough or heavily cut during a busy session. Poor ice conditions may
