How to Help Prepare for the Upcoming Sports Season: A Complete Checklist

As a new sports season approaches for your youth athlete, whether it’s your first or your tenth, preparation is key to help ensure a smooth start. Being ready ahead of time can not only boost performance but it can also help reduce stress for both players and parents. From checking their gear to securing insurance, this guide can help you cover some ways to kick off the season successfully.

1. Help Ensure Your Equipment Is Functional and Clean

Before the first practice, check all your child’s equipment to help ensure it’s safe, functional, and clean. Look for any worn-out or broken items that may need to be replaced, such as damaged padding or fraying straps on protective gear. Over time, equipment can wear down, so things like loose straps, small tears, or faulty parts can become safety hazards during a game or practice. Take the time to clean and inspect their gear thoroughly – whether it’s helmets, shin guards, gloves, or sticks. If anything is damaged beyond repair, replace it before the season begins.

New to the sport? If this is your first year, it’s a great idea to start by getting a list of essential equipment from your coach. They’ll often provide a rundown of what’s mandatory, so you won’t waste money on items you don’t actually need. It’s also helpful to talk to other parents or seasoned players in your league or community. They can provide valuable advice on what equipment works best for your specific sport and what’s not absolutely necessary.

Pro tip: Not everything has to be bought brand new! Many sports stores offer quality secondhand gear at a fraction of the price, and there are even online platforms where families buy, sell, or trade gently used equipment. This can be especially helpful for kids who are still growing, as you may need to upgrade sizes frequently. Helmets, gloves, and cleats are often available secondhand and can be just as effective as new gear when purchased from reliable sources. Just be sure to double-check the safety features on used equipment, especially for items like helmets or protective padding, to help ensure they still meet safety standards.

2. Check That Cleats, Uniforms, and Practice Gear Still Fit

Growth spurts can happen in the blink of an eye, especially for younger athletes. Before the season starts, try on all uniforms, cleats, and practice gear to make sure they still fit comfortably. Ill-fitting uniforms or shoes can hinder movement, cause discomfort, and even lead to injuries. Making sure your athlete’s gear fits properly can allow them to move freely and perform their best on the field, court, or rink.

It’s also worth refreshing practice essentials. Stock up on extra socks, shorts, and shirts so there’s less scrambling on game day.

New to the sport? For first-timers, make sure you understand your team’s uniform requirements before purchasing anything. Some teams have specific colors, logos, or brand preferences, and knowing these ahead of time can save you from unnecessary purchases. Take your child to try on cleats and other essential items to help ensure they’re comfortable and provide the right support.

Pro Tip: Break in any new cleats or shoes before the season starts. Have your child wear them around the house or during practice to avoid blisters or discomfort when they start playing. Also, purchase extra socks, base layers, and sportswear for those back-to-back practice days.

3. Register for the Team Early

Don’t leave registration until the last minute. Signing your child up early can help ensure they’re on the roster and give you ample time to complete any necessary paperwork, such as medical waivers or emergency contact forms. Many leagues have strict registration deadlines, and missing them could mean your child has to sit out or join a team later than planned. Early registration often comes with access to important information about practice schedules, games, and other key details for the season.

New to the sport? If this is your first time registering your child for a team, it can be a good idea to double-check the process with the coach or league. You’ll likely need to complete multiple forms, so stay organized to help ensure nothing gets missed. Some leagues also offer early-bird discounts or incentives, so signing up sooner rather than later can be financially beneficial.

Pro Tip: Keep a copy of the registration confirmation and any important team information in an easily accessible place, whether that’s a folder on your phone or a printed copy. This can help you stay on top of practice schedules and other important dates.

4. Stock Up on Practice Gear and Water Bottles

Kids burn through practice gear quickly, so it can be a good idea to stock up before the season starts. Make sure your athlete has plenty of fresh practice clothes, especially if their sport involves lots of training sessions during the week. Additionally, purchasing a sturdy, reusable water bottle can keep your child hydrated throughout games and practices. Hydration is crucial for any athlete’s performance and safety, so encourage your child to drink regularly, especially during intense practices.

New to the sport? Ask other parents or the coach what the practice routine is like. Some sports may have early morning or extra-long sessions, requiring more gear or even specific hydration solutions like electrolyte drinks.

Pro Tip: Label your child’s water bottles and gear to avoid confusion or loss. It’s amazing how many identical bottles and jackets end up in the lost-and-found after practices.

5. Be Prepared for the Unexpected

While we never want to imagine our child getting hurt, injuries can happen in any sport. Having sports accident insurance can help ensure that you’re covered in case of a mishap, from sprains and fractures to more serious injuries.

Youth Sports Injury Coverage: Our Player Protect product offers comprehensive coverage designed specifically for young athletes, which can give you reassurance knowing that medical bills won’t derail your season. It can cover medical bills that your health insurance doesn’t when your child gets injured playing sports.

Sports Registration Insurance: Beyond accident coverage, we also offer Season Saver, which can reimburse your registration fees if your child has to miss part or all of the season due to illness or injury. With youth sports being such a big financial commitment, this added protection can ensure you don’t lose out financially if an unexpected twist sidelines your child.

New to the sport? If you’re unfamiliar with sports accident insurance or how refund policies work, check with your league or speak with other parents. Some organizations may offer limited options, but you can find tailored solutions like ours that cover a wide range of sports-related risks.

Pro Tip: Make sure the insurance you choose is specific to the unique demands of your child’s sport. Having the right policy can help ensure your child is protected, and your expenses are safe too.

Preparing for your child’s sports season doesn’t have to be stressful if you plan ahead. Helping ensure their gear fits and functions properly, staying on top of registration, and considering protective measures like youth sports insurance can make the process smoother and give your athlete the best chance to thrive. Whether it’s their first season or they’ve been playing for years, these tips can help set your child up for a successful, injury-free, and fun-filled season.