As the basketball seasons at the club, community club and adult levels of play are well underway and the school basketball season is less than a month away, Basketball Manitoba is pleased to launch its on-court safety campaign to educate players, coaches, referees and spectators on the important topics of concussions and the wearing of jewelry and mouth guards while playing basketball.
Basketball Manitoba is excited to share its on-court sport safety campaign, "Guard Your Game, Protect Yourself." This campaign aims to promote the importance of wearing mouthguards, refraining from wearing jewelry, and raising awareness about the risks of concussions while playing basketball at all levels, from youth leagues to adult recreational games.
Basketball is a high-energy sport that brings players of all ages and skill levels together, fostering a sense of community, camaraderie, and healthy competition. However, with the exhilaration of the game, there are risks involved, including dental injuries, accidents related to jewelry, and the potential for concussions. Basketball Manitoba recognizes these risks and is committed to making the sport safer for everyone.
The "Guard Your Game, Protect Yourself" campaign is designed to raise awareness and educate basketball players, coaches, parents, and fans about the importance of three essential safety practices:
Concussion Awareness: While basketball is a non-contact sport, concussions can still occur due to falls, collisions, or head injuries during the game. Basketball is tied with soccer as the 3rd leading sport in Manitoba that sees concussions occur (behind only hockey and football). Basketball Manitoba is committed to educating players, coaches, and parents about the signs and symptoms of concussions and the importance of proper assessment and recovery. Immediate recognition and appropriate management of concussions are crucial to safeguarding the long-term health of basketball participants. We have created a dedicated basketball concussion website which provides a large number of resources tied to the reduction of and treatment of concussions. Head to http://www.basketballconcussion.ca for details.
Mouthguard Use: Basketball is a fast-paced and dynamic sport, and collisions can occur during games. Dental injuries, such as chipped or broken teeth, are not uncommon. To mitigate these risks, Basketball Manitoba strongly encourages all players to wear mouthguards while on the court. Properly fitted mouthguards offer protection against injuries that can be painful and costly. The best mouthguards are those that are custom-fitted by a dental professional. Contact your dentist or Reflections Dental below about your best option for a properly fitting mouthguard.
Jewelry Restrictions: Wearing jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings or any exposed piercings, during basketball games poses a serious safety hazard. Not only does jewelry increase the risk of injury to the player wearing it, but it can also cause harm to others on the court. Basketball Manitoba requires players to remove all jewelry before stepping onto the court to prevent avoidable accidents. Taping earrings, jewelry or other piercings (unless a medical exception in writing has been given directly by Basketball Manitoba or the MHSAA) is not an alternative to removing them while participating in games or practices. Details on items that are and are not permitted to be worn in basketball games can be found on page 13 of the current FIBA Basketball Rulebook.
By emphasizing these safety measures and concussion awareness, Basketball Manitoba aims to reduce the number of concussions, dental injuries, and accidents related to jewelry during basketball games. The organization is dedicated to fostering a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone participating in the sport.
"Guard Your Game, Protect Yourself" is not just about safety; it's also about preserving the joy of playing basketball. A safe playing environment ensures players can focus on improving their skills, having fun, and building lifelong memories on the court. Basketball Manitoba is dedicated to making this a reality for all members of the basketball community.
To learn more about the campaign and access valuable resources on concussions, mouthguard use and jewelry safety guidelines, visit the Basketball Manitoba website. For real-time updates and engaging content, follow Basketball Manitoba on social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram.
Join Basketball Manitoba in ensuring the safety of basketball players across the province. Let's "Guard Your Game, Protect Yourself," and keep the spirit of basketball alive while prioritizing the well-being of all participants.
Basketball Manitoba would like to thank AJ Monton for his time and creativity in developing the following imagery and messaging tied to this safety campaign during his recent internship with our organization.
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