Playing sports is a lot of fun. Getting hurt is not. Take these
five steps to prevent injuries so you can stay in the game:
- Wear protective gear, such as helmets, protective pads, and
other gear.
- Warm up and cool down.
- Know the rules of the game.
- Watch out for others.
- Don't play when you're injured.
Let's find out more about each of these.
Wear Protective Gear
Protective gear is anything you wear that helps keep you from
getting hurt. The gear you wear depends on the sport you play.
Helmets
are the most common protective gear. They protect your
all-important head while you're playing football, hockey,
baseball, softball,
biking
, skateboarding, and inline skating, just to name a few!
Make sure you're wearing the right helmet for your sport.
For instance, don't wear your baseball batting helmet when
you're playing football! Your helmet should fit snugly but
comfortably, and if it has a strap - like a bike helmet does - you
need to fasten it. Otherwise, it will fall off when you need it
most.
Other sports require eye protection, mouthguards, pads, wrist,
elbow, and knee guards, and a protective cup (for boys only). And
don't forget your feet. Cleats are worn in football, baseball,
softball, and soccer. These shoes have special rubber or plastic
points on the soles to help your feet grip the ground when you run
around.
Talk with your parents or your coach to know what gear you need.
Then wear that gear whenever you're practicing or playing.
Warm Up
It's not a good idea to just bolt on to the field and start
playing. You shouldn't even start stretching until you're a
little warmed up. So take a light jog to get loosened up and ready
to play.
Doing some stretching also can get you prepared to hit the
field. By warming up, you get yourself ready to play. Warming up
your
muscles
and practicing a sport help keep you safe, too. Warm-ups that last
15 to 30 minutes and include slow, gradual stretching help lengthen
your muscles and increase your blood flow and muscle temperature.
That way, your muscles are ready to go and are much less likely to
get hurt.
Know the Rules of the Game
Traffic lights at intersections help prevent crashes between the
many cars and trucks that drive on the roads together. This works
because drivers know the rules and follow them - at least most of
the time. It's the same way with sports.
When players know the rules of the game - what's legal and
what's not - fewer injuries happen. You and the other players
know what to expect from each other. For instance, you know that in
soccer you can't come from behind, crash into a player's
legs, and steal the ball. It's legal - and safer - to go after
the ball rather than the player.
With sports that use plays, it helps to understand the plays and
what your role is in each one. Being where you're supposed to
be can help you stay out of harm's way, too.
Watch Out for Others
Some rules don't have anything to do with scoring points or
penalties. Some rules are just about protecting other people and
being courteous. For instance, in baseball or softball, the batter
can't fling the bat after hitting the ball and heading for
first base. He or she must drop it so that it doesn't hit
anyone. Likewise, a diver would make sure that the pool was clear
before diving in. Otherwise, he or she might land on someone
else.
One way you can watch out for others is to communicate on the
field. For instance, a baseball player in the outfield might yell
"I got it" to avoid a collision with another outfielder.
Listening to your coach during a game also can help keep you safe.
It's also good to just be courteous, like telling someone his
or her shoe is untied. Check your shoes, too!
Don't Play When You're Injured
This is a really important one. If you love sports, it's
tempting to get right back in the game, even after an injury. But
playing when you're hurt - or before an injury has had a chance
to fully heal - is a bad idea. It can lead to an even worse injury,
one that might sideline you for a long time. Be honest with parents
and coaches if you've been hurt. See a doctor for your
injuries, when necessary, and follow his or her advice about how
and when to return to practice and play.
Now you know what kids need to know about staying safe.
Hopefully, if you follow rules 1, 2, 3, and 4, you won't need
number 5. Or at least not quite as often!
Reviewed by:
Joseph A. Congeni, MD
Date reviewed: October 2008
Originally reviewed by:
Steve Sanders, PhD
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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