Preventing Injuries
Prevention is better than
treatment.
Here are some ways that you can avoid sports
injuries.
Make sure you are fit for the
activity.
• Only play sport when
you are feeling fit and
healthy.
• And you have no
existing injuries.
Make sure that you develop the
right techniques.
• A bad technique in any
sport can lead to an
injury.
• Eg. Poorly throwing
the javelin can lead to
an arm injury.
Play at the right level.
• Play with the right age group.
• Play with a team or to a level that matches your ability.
• Eg. If a young novice boxer played an adult professional, it
would mean certain injury.
Know the rules of your sport and
obey them.
• Rules are there for
your protection.
• So listen to the referee
they are making
decisions that may
prevent you or a team
mate an injury.
(even if you don’t agree
with them!)
Make sure you are wearing the
right kit.
• If the sport that you
play requires
protective gear, for
example a mouth
guard, shin pads or
helmet wear them!
• Footwear is also
important, so choose
carefully.
Make sure that your equipment is
in good working order.
• Damaged or broken
kit can be dangerous
and put your safety
and the safety of
others in jeopardy.
Lift and carry equipment with
care.
• Lifting heavy equipment can cause you to
sustain an injury even before you have started.
Watch out for hazards in the
playing area.
• Broken glass on pitches,
wet patches on floors and
even rakes left in long
jump pits can all cause
accidents and injuries.
• Weather conditions should
also be taken into
consideration. As a lack of
visibility can cause
accidents.
Warm up and cool down
correctly.
Warm up
Injuries such as
strained and pulled
muscles can be
avoided by warming
up correctly.
Cool down
A correct cool down
helps prevent stiffness
and soreness
increasing recovery
time. This makes you
better prepared for the
next event.