Fall sports are back in full swing and Azalea cares about East Texas youth sports programs and keeping athletes safe. All sports have a risk of injury but the more physical contact a sport has, the greater the risk.
The American Academy of Pediatrics released their 2016 Sports Injury Prevention Tip Sheet with injury prevention tips to help promote safe, optimal sports for children. The most common sports injuries include fractures, sprains, and strains. Even the most minimal swelling or limitation in motion should be looked at by a physician.
Top Tips to reduct risk of injury:
- Schedule rest days, at least once per week to allow recovery.
- Wear the right gear
- Strengthen muscles
- Increase Flexibility
- Use proper technique
- Stop activity if there is pain
- Play safe
- Avoid heat injury by staying hydrated.
Experts agree that the best ways to prevent concussion are:
- Play by the rules. Teaching young athletes to respect the rules of their sport is part of good coaching.
- Wear the appropriate equipment for your sport and wear it properly. Always close a chin strap if your sport requires a helmet; many concussions occur during practice.
- Examine the playing field for uneven areas or holes.
- Make sure that end posts are padded sufficiently.
- Practice good sportsmanship. Teaching good sportsmanship is part of good coaching and good parenting minimizing unnecessary aggression on the field.
Learn and use proper technique for your sport. Some sports organizations have taken additional action to minimize the risk of concussion by limiting the number of contact practices allowed during the season.
To view more tips and sports injury information, visit AAP or click here for more concussion tips. Did you catch the highlights from the Tyler Football Classic luncheon? Check it out here.
