Health Tips for Marching Band
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Timely Recommendations to Ensure Band Members are Well Prepared for Activity
National Athletic Trainers Association
NATA recommends the following tips for parents, band directors,
medical professionals and marching band members:
1. Prepare for Activity: Parents
should make sure that students are in good general health and fit to perform.
2. Put
a Plan Into Place: Develop a written emergency plan in consultation
with an athletic trainer and local emergency medical service. Share it regularly
and review it with the appropriate band directors/supervisors, school administrators
and medical staff.
3. Get Ready to March:
Band directors, athletic trainers and parents should ensure that students
are physically and mentally conditioned for marching band activities. Encourage
students to start with 20 minute walks outside and gradually increase distance
of time approximately four weeks before the marching band season starts. Limber
up with appropriate stretches and warm ups and cool downs after practice.
Increase rigorous routines gradually so students can tone their muscles and
increase strength. This will help to reduce aches and pains as well as fatigue
from long practices and challenging routines.
4. Acclimatize to the Heat:
Acclimatize students to outdoor warm weather conditions. Start routines slowly
and build endurance. By working out and walking in the heat or non-air conditioned
environments, students can condition their bodies to adapt and better perform
in the heat.
5. What to Wear: Wear
light or white colored shorts and t-shirts to avoid overheating during practice.
This is especially important for anyone carrying heavy instruments for long
periods of time. Save the formal attire heavy hats, dark clothing and shoes
for dress rehearsals and get comfortable in them before game day. Be aware
that the weight of the material and dark colors keep heat in.
6. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate:
Establish a hydration plan that allows band members to drink water or sports
drinks such as Gatorade throughout practice sessions (about 7-10 ounces every
10-20 minutes). It is important to hydrate before AND after routines. Without
proper hydration, they are at risk of developing exertional heat related illnesses.
Make sure that band members have sports drinks and water available. Dont
assume they can share with sports teams.
7. Seek Shade: Be smart
when it comes to the sun. Stand in the shade during rest breaks or half time
to cool down before and after practices and performances.
8. Fuel for Success:
Incorporate healthy foods in the daily diet including grains, fruits and vegetables,
dairy and meat/poultry/fish to give them the fuel they need to exercise. A
balanced and moderate approach is always the best bet.
9. Make Use of Musical Instruments:
Students should hold and manage sousaphones, drums, flutes and other instruments
correctly to avoid ergonomic injuries.
10. Stay Fit in Formation: Since
bands are often in formation and standing still for long periods of time
especially when on parade routes or during practice students should move
fingers, knees and toes slightly to keep circulation flowing and joints loose
and flexible.
11. Monitor Band Members: Band members
should be monitored at all times on the field for signs of heat illnesses
by a parent, band director, certified athletic trainer or other individual.
12. Inspect Fields and Routes: Remove
debris, water, rocks and other hazards from the field or parade route. These
small obstacles can lead to twisted ankles, bruised knees, scraped elbows
or other more serious injuries.
13. Stock the Kit: Stock a first aid kit
and keep it onsite for medical emergencies. Include supplies for wound management
and bee stings, such as elastic wraps and band aids, disposable ice packs,
tape and wound cleanser, among other items.