SPORTS SAFETY

INJURY
PREVENTION
 THE GOLDEN RULE:

PREVENTION IS
BETTER THAN CURE
 1. WARM-UP AND STRETCHING
u  Warm-up is a vital part of any
competition or strenuous exercise session.
It results in improved flexibility, it
prepares the mind, the heart, the muscles,
and joints for participation, thus reducing
the likelihood of injury.
Warm-up should involve five to ten minutes of
general activity prior to the stretching session.
u  Stretching is another vital factor of both
training and competition as it reduces the
chance of injury.
Without stretching, muscles lose their flexibility
and may fail to respond when being used, and
injury may result.
 2. DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLS
AND TECHNIQUES

u  The higher the level of skill, the lower

the rate of injury.
u  It is important in children’s sport that
a high level of skill is attained in order
to prevent injury now and while
playing the sport in later life.
 3. FITNESS

u  Many injuries occur late in the game,

competition or training session due
to fatigue.
u  This means that a good level of
fitness for a particular sport is of the
utmost importance.
u  This is specially important with
athletes returning from injury.
 4. OBEY THE RULES

u  Rules are specifically designed to create a

safe playing environment.
u  All players should be encouraged to
observe both the written and unwritten
rules of the game.
u  Children should be continuously reminded
of good sporting behavior.
u  Coaches should develop clear, written
rules for training and general conduct.
 5. PLAYING AREAS AND
FACILITIES
u  Poor design or faulty equipment, poor
playing surfaces and inappropriate areas
for participation may endanger the
individual, other players and the public.
u  It is important that the playing surfaces
are:
–  Level and firm
–  Free from obstruction
–  Padded
–  Spectators should be kept away from the
playing area
 6. PROTECTIVE DEVICES

u  Protective equipment are designed to

reduce injuries. Their use is strongly
recommended.
u  However, ill-fitting equipment is a
hindrance and may increase the
individual’s risk of injury.
 7. SUPERVISION

u  Activities must be closely

supervised to ensure that the
practice and competition
environment is as safe as possible.
8. MANAGE EXISTING INJURIES
PROPERLY
u  Returning to sport too early after
injury can make the child
susceptible to further injury.
u  The coach should ensure that the
risk of recurrence is reduced by
requesting the that the child have a
doctor’s or physiotherapist’s
clearance to play.
 9. FLUID REPLACEMENT
u  Children are more susceptible to heat
illness.
u  Fluid replacement is very important and
coaches should be aware of the following
points:
–  Wear loose, light colored clothing
–  Avoid intense activity in hot or humid
conditions
–  Thirst is a poor indicator of fluid
replacement
–  Plain cold water is the best fluid
replacement
 10. AVOID STRENUOUS
ACTIVITY IF ILL

u  During times of illness, the child’s

body is particularly vulnerable, with
the risk of damage to tissues or
organs being very high.
11. BALANCED COMPETITIONS

u  It is important to keep competitions

balanced in order to reduce injuries.
u  Consideration should be given to
the age, size, sex, strength and skill
of the players in considering
balanced competitions.
 12. COMMON SENSE

u  Prevention is common sense!

 INJURY PREVENTION
1. WARM-UP AND STRETCHING
2. DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES
3. FITNESS
4. OBEY THE RULES
5. PLAYING AREAS AND FACILITIES
6. PROTECTIVE DEVICES
7. SUPERVISION
8. MANAGE EXISTING INJURIES PROPERLY
9. FLUID REPLACEMENT
10. AVOID STRENUOUS ACTIVITY IF ILL
11. BALANCED COMPETITIONS
12. COMMONSENSE
 THE GOLDEN RULE:

PREVENTION IS
BETTER THAN CURE