Injury Prevention Among High School Students

Statistics show, more American children are competing in sports than ever before. Known facts, sports help children and adolescents keep their bodies fit and feel good about themselves. However, little did we know, there are some important injury prevention tips that can help parents and athletes to promote a safe, optimal sports experience for their child or themselves. It is recommended that athletes with known instability get braces, i.e. ankle braces, as they assist with improving ankle stability and helps cut down the use of tape, which will slowly loosen the longer the athlete participates.

Risk of Injuries

ALL sports have a risk of injury. In general, the more contact in a sport, the GREATER the risk of a traumatic injury. However, most injuries in young athletes are due to overuse.

The most frequent sport injuries are sprains (injuries to ligaments), strains (injuries to muscles), and stress fractures (injury to bone) caused when an abnormal stress is placed on tendons, joints, bones, and muscles. Point tenderness over a bone should be evaluated further by a health care provider even if there is minimal swelling or limitation in motion. For further questions, contact the Athletic Trainer.

Sport-Related Emotional Stress is as well a major injury risk in relation to young athletes. 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. The main goal should be to have fun and learn lifelong physical activity skills.

Reducing the Risk of an Injury

1. Take TIME OFF: Plan to have at least ONE day off per week and at least ONE month off per year from training for a particular sport to allow the body to recover.
2. Wear the CORRECT Gear: Players should wear appropriate and properly fit protective equipment such as pads (neck, shoulder, elbow, chest, knee, shin), helmets, mouthpieces, face guards, protective cups, and/or eyewear. Young athletes should not assume that protective gear will prevent all injuries while performing more dangerous or risky activities.
3. Strengthen Muscles: Conditioning exercises during practice strengthen muscles used in play.
4. Increase flexibility: Stretching exercises after games or practice can increase flexibility. Stretching should also be incorporated into a daily fitness plan.
5. Use the PROPER Technique: This should be reinforced during the playing season.
6. Take Breaks: Rest periods during practice and games can reduce injuries and prevent heat illness.
7. Play SAFE: Strict rules against headfirst sliding (baseball and softball), and spearing (football), and checking in hockey should be enforced. Stop the activity if there is pain.
8. AVOID Heat Injury: Drink PLENTY of fluids before, during and after exercise or play; DECREASE or STOP practices/competitions during high heat/humidity periods; wear light clothing.

Reference: "2016 Sports Injury Prevention Tip Sheet." 2016 Sports Injury Prevention Tip Sheet. American Academy of Pediatrics, n.d. Web