Youth Sport Safety

Written By Nada Popovic Baldwin Wallace University Prescription Fitness intern

The participation in sports for youth is important for physical, mental, and emotional benefits. However, in the event of an injury, the outcome can have negative effects on a child’s physical, mental, and emotional health. There are steps and materials that can help a parent/guardian and coach become more aware of how to prevent said injuries so that a child can continue what they love to do.

Below are common injuries in sports, which can occur from basketball to golf:

1. ACL injuries – commonly caused by sudden change of direction, landing awkwardly from a jump, or pivoting with the knee near full extension when the foot is planted
2. Concussion – traumatic injury to the brain that alters mental status, do not have to lose consciousness to be concussed, some other symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Loss of balance
• Difficulty communicating
• Headache
• Fatigue

3. Knee injuries – result of sudden fall or chronic, repetitive overuse injuries, symptoms include:

• Pain
• Instability
• Swelling
• Stiffness

4. Heat illness – body temperature is elevated, if fluids and electrolytes are not replenished then can lead to dehydration and increased risk of heat stroke
5. Overuse – rapid acceleration of intensity, duration, or frequency of activity

According to the CDC, 2.6 million children (0-19 years old) are treated in the emergency department for sports and recreation-related injuries each year!!

Listed below are simple tips that a parent/guardian and coach can follow to help prevention those injuries:

1. Pre-participation exam – provided by a physician; be sure that your child is safe and cleared to participate in a sport
2. Gear up – using proper gear such as helmets, wrist guards, knee or elbow pads, be sure protective equipment is in good condition (fits properly, and is worn correctly); worn down or poor fitting equipment will not offer the best protection
3. Pay attention to temperature – allow gradual adjustment to hot or humid environments to prevent heat related injuries/illness; STAY HYDRATED and dress appropriately
4. Stretch – stretching before practice and games helps to release muscle tension and prevent muscle tears or sprains
5. Prevent overuse – Take time off one sport to prevent overuse injuries which will allow time to develop strength and skill in another sport

Sports can be fun for both a parent/guardian and a child if proper steps are taken. Be safe and have fun! If you would like more tips on certain sports or more information on specific injuries http://www.stopsportsinjuries.org is a great website that provides everything you may need to know!

Other websites:

https://www.safekids.org/sports

https://www.cdc.gov/safechild/sports_injuries/