Some precautions can help prevent injury. Short of a car accident, there are few activities that can cause so much damage in otherwise healthy young men. The start of the school year means the start of football, and that also means someone is going to get hurt. The injury rate for high school football is as high as 50 percent in some studies. However, there are a number of steps that athletes, parents, coaches and school administrators can take to decrease injuries.
Most injuries occur during the preseason.
Many football players do not report to camp in shape. The chance of an injury in preseason is 5.4 times more likely than in in-season practices. Players need to start running six weeks before the start of football practice. This will improve their chance of making the team and decrease the chance of an injury. Equipment must fit correctly to function properly.