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The benefits children get from taking part in sports far outweigh the downsides. However, sports injuries are a particularly unwelcome downside. Minor bruises and sprains occur most often, yet more serious injuries like fractures are also too common. Boys tend to suffer more sports injuries than girls, mainly because they are more likely to be involved in contact sports and are more likely to be involved in reckless play. Obviously, some sports have a higher incidence of injury than others - rugby is more likely to cause injury than swimming is, for instance. As children get bigger and stronger, the more common and more severe sports injuries tend to be, because the collisions and falls involve far greater forces. Though there doesn't have to be an accident for damage to occur repetitive movements used by putting excessive stress on a growing body cause many injuries children suffer. Having said all that, the risk of a child suffering a sports injury can be reduced...
* If your child has suffered an injury, don't let them take part in sport before they have fully recovered.
* Don't let them do lots more sport than they are used to - make sure that they slowly build up the quantity of activity.
* Children can develop problems with their posture and gait, which can in turn put them more at risk of injury when taking part in sports. If you suspect that this might be a problem for your child, take them to their GP, who might refer them to a specialist in the relevant field.
* In many sports, pitting children against each other just because they are the same age is not the best policy for injury prevention purposes, as one child can be twice the size and strength of another of the same age. If your child is going to compete against others in a sport that could involve contact, whenever possible ensure that they are pretty evenly matched.
* Carefully check the playing area before the event, clearing any litter and other debris that might cause harm. If the playing area is in poor condition, maybe with several divots or areas of frozen, sharp mud, don't let your child play on it.
* Your child will want to get straight into the interesting stuff, but encouraging them into the habit of carrying out a proper warm-up before sporting activity is an excellent injury prevention tactic.
* Any sporting equipment should be exactly the right size for the child, and they should know how to use it responsibly and with correct technique. Footwear should be well fitting and suitable for the sport being played. It is also vital that relevant safety equipment, in perfect condition, should be worn.
* It's wise to check that adult supervision is of a satisfactory level and that adequate measures are in place in case an injury does occur in spite of all your precautions. You can never be too careful where children are concerned.
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Author: Darren Ward
Copyright www.exercise.co.uk
2001
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Copyright Exercise, Fitness & Leisure 2001
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