Sports help children and adolescents keep their bodies fit and feel good about themselves. All sports do have a risk of injury. There are some important injury prevention tips as a parent that you need to be aware of to promote a safe sports experience for your child.

Most frequent sports injuries are sprains (injuries to ligaments) and strains (injuries to muscles). They are caused when too much stress is placed on tendons, joints, bones and muscles. Only about five percent of sports injuries involve broken bones. However, the areas where bones grow in children are at more risk of injury during the rapid growth phase of puberty.

To reduce injury, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

• Wear the right gear. Players should wear appropriate protective equipment such as pads (neck, shoulder, elbow, chest, knee, shin), helmets, mouthpieces, face guards, protective cups, and/or eyewear.
  
• Increase flexibility. Stretching exercises before and after games can increase flexibility.
  
• Strengthen muscles. Conditioning exercises during practice and before games strengthens muscles used in play.
  
• Use the proper technique. This should be reinforced during the playing season.
  
• Take breaks. Rest periods during practice and games can reduce injuries.
  
• Play safe. Strict rules against headfirst sliding (baseball and softball), spearing (football), and body checking (ice hockey) should be enforced.
  
• Stop the activity if there is pain.
  
• Avoid heat injury by drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise or play; decreasing or stopping practices or competitions during high heat/humidity periods; and wearing light clothing.

Reduce Sports-Related Emotional Stress:

The pressure to win can cause significant emotional stress for a child. Sadly, many coaches and parents consider winning the most important aspect of sports.

Young athletes should be judged on effort, sportsmanship and hard work. They should be rewarded for trying hard and for improving their skills rather than punished or criticized for losing a game or competition.

Source: “Sports Injury Prevention Tips,” American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org.