Unfortunately, children are more susceptible to sports related injuries since they are still growing. Each year more than 750,000 children ages 14 and under are treated in hospital emergency departments for sports related injures. The majority of these injuries are from falls, being struck by an object, overexertion, or overuse. It is estimated that half of all organized sports-related injuries among children can be prevented. A sports prevention program must include proper physical and psychological conditioning and the use of appropriate safety equipment such as helmets, mouth guards, protective goggles, knee and elbow pads etc., a safe playing environment, adequate knowledgeable adult supervision and safety rules that are enforced.
Conditioning is an integral part of participation in athletics.
Prior to participating in any organized sports activity, all athletes should undergo a complete sports physical. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all children and adolescents receive a yearly health maintenance exam. According to the SAFE KIDS Coalition of Southeastern Pennsylvania led by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, children should also be matched and grouped according to similar skill level, weight and physical maturity especially for contact sports. Grouping children by age is often not enough. Children develop at different rates both physically and psychologically and a less developed child competing against a more mature child of the same age is at disadvantage and may be at risk for greater injury.