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Participation of children, especially girls, in organized and informal sports and recreational activities continues to grow in the United States. Sports participation is beneficial to children in many ways. It can improve physical fitness, coordination, self-discipline and teamwork, as well as promote a sense of personal satisfaction and accomplishment.

However, growth in sports participation has contributed to an increase in sports- and recreation-related injuries. The risk of physical injury is inherent in sports participation. Furthermore, children are more susceptible to these injuries because they are still growing and are in the process of gaining motor and cognitive skills. It is estimated that half of all organized sports-related injuries among children can be prevented. Protective equipment, safer playing environments and rules designed to prevent injury are successful in reducing the frequency and severity of sports- and recreation-related injuries among children.

PREVENTION TIPS

• Children should always wear appropriate safety gear when participating in sports and recreational activities.

• Make sure proper physical and psychological conditioning, use of appropriate safety equipment, a safe playing environment, adequate adult supervision, and safety rules that are enforced are included in any sports program.

• Ensure that children drink an adequate amount of liquids while engaging in athletic activities.

• Provide children with proper training and skills building when they are learning a new sport.

• Match and group children according to similar skill level, weight and physical maturity, especially for contact sports.