As a kid, I always loved playing sports.  As an adult, nothing has changed, I still love playing every chance I get.  Life gets busy though, and I spend more time watching my nieces and nephews playing sports, mainly football.  Fall is probably my favorite time of year because of football.  The cool, crisp air, the gorgeous fall colors, and my love for a game like no other.  It really isn’t all fun and games though when one of the kids gets hurt.

I remember this year when I was heading out to watch my nephew play for the first time this season.  I called because I was running late {really late}.  My sister told me not to rush. The ambulance was at the field and there was a huge delay in the game before them.  One of the kids had broken his leg just before the game ended.  Nobody wants to see an injury during a sports event, especially an injury to kids.

Aside from that major injury, most of the injuries I have witnessed or known about have been minor, but still sidelined my nephew for a game or two here or there.  I am always bummed when I plan to go watch and find out he won’t be playing because of an injury, doesn’t he know the rules?  No getting hurt!!!

When  you see a play like this, I think as a parent, you cringe just a bit, hoping and praying that nobody gets injured.  While throughout a long career in any sport, there are bound to be injuries, there are some things you can do to prevent injury.

Gear up!  While there are some optional pads when playing sports like football, most of it is required and for good reason.  If you happen to forget some of your gear, always let your coach know right away.

Follow the rules.  They are there for a reason.  While some penalties may seem to be easy to do and help with your goal, intentionally doing something like helmet to helmet hits could severely injure both you and the other player.

Listen to your body.  If something hurts, your body may be trying to tell you something.  While being sidelined for a game or two may feel like a crushing blow, taking those games off can help you heal to finish off your season, while playing through those injuries could sideline you longer than just a few games.

Doctor’s orders.  If your doctor says stay out – stay out of the game.  Don’t try to get back in too early.

Make sure you are covered.  While following these rules can help reduce the chances of facing a serious injury, accidents can still happen.  Having a plan like Aflac can help you to avoid the costs that may pile up with an injury.  The peace of mind that comes from a plan like this, as well as the cash benefits, help get you back in the game fast!

Aflac’s voluntary insurance plans are designed to supplement your main insurance plan and can provide cash back for out of pocket expenses you may have, even things like rent or food.

Aflac takes injury very seriously and wants to be sure you are safe AND covered.  With their season long football campaign, starting with things like the Aflac Duck’s new commercial, as well as their partnership with the Heisman Trophy, and ending with you and your efforts to stay safe, Aflac wants this season to be the very best for your and your loved ones.  As part of this campaign, Aflac wants you to enter the Ultimate College Football Experience Sweepstakes.

This sweepstakes will not only have 3 different winners, announced on October 28, November 4, and November 11th, but the prize package is fantastic, and perfect for that college football fan in your life.  Winners will receive:

• 2 tickets to the biggest college football game of the weekend
• Meet and greet with Desmond Howard
• Round trip airfare
• Hotel accommodations
• Ground transportation to and from events.
• $500 prepaid debit card for use towards food or other expenses

Are you excited?  Enter on the link above and let your friends know about it.  #GameOn!

• CONSUMER NOTICE: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. Open to legal permanent residents of 50 U.S. states and DC, 21 or older, who have Internet access and valid email address prior to 08/28/14. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds and prize descriptions, click here: https://www.facebook.com/aflacduck/app_143103275748075. This sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Twitter. For a winner’s list (after 11/10/14), visit the Ultimate College Football Experience tab of this page or mail request to Aflac “Ultimate College Football Experience” (Specify Winner List), Media Relations, 1932 Wynnton Road, Columbus, GA 31999. Sponsor: American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus.

Do you have children in sports?  Have they been sidelined with injuries?  What other helpful tips do you have for sports minded families?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.