UK – DIMS SCORE^® Calculator – Sports Item

Even if you are picking this up in person, you might have petrol, bus, or other transportation costs.

Parents understand that as you grow and progress in sport, or change schools or teams, you may need to upgrade or replace kit/ equipment.

Makes sense. The one thing kids everywhere are doing every day, is growing! Just try to be realistic about how long you'll be able to use this new kit/ equipment when you're choosing a size/model.

If this will be your first experience with this type of kit/ equipment, you may want to buy a less expensive version until you know what features matter most to you.

Some sports retailers accept used gear for cash or shop credit, if your gear is in good condition. Think wetsuits, outdoor apparel, skis or bicycles.

When you donate used kit/ equipment, you are often helping someone less fortunate than you are. Won't that feel good?

Perfect. Don't forget that local schools and community groups often have sports equipment swaps, or car boot sales.

OK.

When a new person gets to use equipment and extend its useful life, the cost per use goes down.

And it's so great that someone else can enjoy it!

That's terrific! Re-using items gives them a longer life and keeps them out of landfills for a while -- that's a good thing!

OK.

Parents know that sometimes you have to have proper equipment just to try out for a team - but you might be able to borrow gear from a friend or family member for the tryouts, rather than spending up front.

Sometimes Coaches know of equipment that can be borrowed during try-outs. It never hurts to ask.

Good to know.

Your parents will want you to know how to use your equipment safely and effectively, even if lessons add to the total cost of the purchase.

Parents are often more interested in helping you buy something when you are willing to spend some of your own money.

This can be a great way to show your parents/ guardians how much this item means to you.

Amazing! Parents are usually more interested in helping you buy something when you are contributing to its cost.

This might be something to reconsider. Being willing to spend some of your own money shows how important this equipment is to you.

Supporting local shops helps your community, when you can. Your money helps to pay the people who work in that shop, and if they spend their money locally, it helps the community again!

Shopping local is another great way to reduce the carbon footprint of your item!

Great! You're supporting your community by shopping locally.

Consider looking for this equipment in a local shop. If the price is similar and you can save money on shipping costs, buying locally is good for your community.

Can you get your money back or the equipment replaced if it doesn’t work/ stops working the way it's supposed to? Will it require regular maintenance? Will repairs be expensive?

Style is a way to tell people about yourself without saying a word.

Does the styling (icons and sayings used, colour, design) of this kit/ equipment tell people what you want them to know about you? Is it age-appropriate and aligned with your values?

Great!

What is it about this kit/ equipment that doesn't tell people what you want them to know about you. No one purchase can tell people "all about us". But if this purchase isn't aligned with your family's values, you'll want to talk to your parents before buying it.