Does the purchasing every end? Nope. There always seems to be pads, sticks, heads, blades, cleats, running shoes, helmets, goggles, or other necessities to buy. The list is endless.
Over the years I've changed my opinion on where to draw the line. I used to be against top-of-the-line equipment. But now I've changed my stance slightly. Here are a few guidelines based on my experiences:
- Shoes/Cleats: Higher price doesn't actually mean better. I go for the best support and fit. You can often buy a shoe on sale (often last year's model) for less, and still get a decent shoe. My lovely daughter Breea is the queen of ankle sprains. For her I choose the best fit no matter what the cost. I'll do anything to prevent that child from rolling her ankle. I find that when Breea wears better fitting shoes, she runs faster and seems to injure her ankles less.
- Mouth guards: My kids tend to repeatedly chew on their mouth guards. The protection is necessary, but for the most part, the inexpensive ones work. If it were my mouth, I would buy the heavier, more protective models. I value my teeth. But for my kids, I go with the version he or she is willing to wear, be it expensive or inexpensive, because I want any sort of protection for them. I know that in most cases when I'm not looking, those mouth guards are not in their mouths.
- Protective pads: Within reason, expensive pads are beneficial in many cases. However, there is often a drawback--pricier pads are heftier/thicker models (in many cases), which sometimes restrict movement. Better protection might mean restricted physical play. My son Clark often chooses the lighter, less protective models, and he pays the price with injuries. When a puck hits his shins, the resulting bruises are not pretty.
- Hockey/lacrosse sticks: With hockey sticks, higher priced sticks might be top of the line. Yet top-of-the-line sticks are often not the best sticks for inexperienced players. I've heard my husband scream after many games as he curses parents for buying fancy, do-it-all, high-end sticks for their beginner hockey player. It just doesn't work that way. Lower-end models are a good choice in many cases. On the contrary, a high-end, expensive lacrosse head is sometimes a good choice for a beginner player. It might not be completely necessary, but a high-end lacrosse head can help players of many levels better control the ball.
There are times when pricey equipment is necessary, and there are times when I put my foot down and say no. That's just the way it is. If my kids don't like it, they can do their own research and present their case. Sometimes I win the battle. Other times I give in and spend a fortune...
Young athletes live and learn in the game. Do your best to guide your kids' purchases and eventually let them fly on their own.
