Be a Good Sport: Tips for Preventing Youth Sports Injuries

Author: Patricia Clesi, RN, University Medical Center Trauma Services Coordinator

Youth participation in organized sports offers excellent benefits socially and physically, including reducing the risk of childhood obesity.

However, almost 1/3 of all injuries incurred in childhood are sports-related.

In fact, high school athletes account for about 2 million injuries, 500,000 doctor visits, and 30,000 hospitalizations each year in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A 2016 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said knee injuries, ankle sprains, and concussions are among the most common outcomes in studies identifying risk factors for sports-related injuries. One study from the National Health Interview Survey even showed that sports, on average, account for 14 percent of all emergency department visits for life-threatening injuries, the majority of which (32%) come from those 18 and younger.

Despite the scary statistics, more and more American children are participating in youth sports in recent years.

To make sure you or your child are not part of the numbers and prevent injury, consider these 5 simple, but potentially lifesaving, tips during this National Youth Sports Week:

1. Warm Up

Time should always be set aside for warm up and stretching before playing sports. This will help prevent injury to muscles during play. All major muscles groups should hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds.

2. Gear Up

Appropriate and properly fitted sports gear should be used always. Helmets should be well maintained, age appropriate, and worn correctly. There are no “concussion proof” helmets, however, it will help prevent skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries.

3. Hydrate

Hydration before, during, and after practice and games are very important to prevent dehydration, especially in the summer months.

4. Rest

Overuse injuries are common, especially in youth playing on multiple teams of the same sport at the same time. Rest will help avoid these injuries.

5. Report

Players should be encouraged to report any pain, injury, or illness to their coaches and parents.

For more child safety tips, visit http://www.umcno.org/injuryprevention