You think your children are ready to play ball (or any other sport for that matter), but are they really properly prepared? When it comes to playing the field, it's a matter of safety first. Parents have an obligation to take all of the steps necessary to ensure that their children don't get injured while participating in sports.{relatedarticles}Prior to signing your child up for a sport, have your little one checked out by a pediatrician for a physical. Once you've gotten the green light, let the real fun begin. Before your child engages in play, equip her with the necessary protective gear. If your child is playing hockey, softball, baseball, football, biking, skateboarding or any other activity that poses a risk for head injuries, a helmet is a must. The helmet should be specifically designed for the specific sport your child is playing.