The future of youth athletics involves a higher understanding of what makes sports so many love worth playing. Of all the various ways to enjoy the sport, nothing comes above safety. Basketball, baseball, and hockey are all youth sports beginning to look into protective eyewear for children playing games. More are sure to follow, especially considering the numerous benefits to the practice of utilizing goggles and the safety features that come with them.
Why Wear Protective Goggles?
Children are a vulnerable population for a few reasons. To start, the kids playing sports at a young age are still learning control over the body and motor functions. Even at 10 or 11 years old, the athletic ability can be limited to the extent of flexibility and speed. Otherwise, the body is still growing and forming. This means that there are a lot of random moments where a child may still not have control over movements.
Additionally, sports are relatively new to young athletes. The rules and correct ways to play are not always known. For example, a young girl playing baseball may not know to wait until a teammate is looking to throw the ball. Likewise, a young boy may hit a hard shot on the hockey rink during practice without someone in full gear. A few other things cause harm to children that involve a natural learning curve, but of course, protective goggles can help with all of these threats.
Eye Protection from Harm
The eyes are very vulnerable in many team sports. Even golf and tennis can find users experiencing eye injuries. Children wearing eye gear are more protected and less likely to suffer eye damage, scratching, piercing, or blindness.
Incredible Materials for Near Total Safety
Polycarbonate, which most sports safety goggles are made of, is 10 times as protective as any other plastic. That means even the hardest blows from a ball, puck, or other children will not pierce the goggles and keep the child’s eyes safe. The benefits of wearing glasses are almost inarguable. There are so few reasons to avoid safety eyewear in youth sports that the only thing standing in the way of a child’s safety are the adults set to protect the wellbeing of all participants.
The safety of youth athletes is a longstanding movement in sports and needs to continue with the implementation of eyewear. Given all the benefits, it is the best thing for all involved.