Most injuries tend to be repetitive stress injuries, which can be caused by an overuse of muscles.
Although less common, acute injuries also occur. These may include a fall, a twisted ankle, or a sprained wrist, Tonino said. Many youth sports leagues are already aware that repetitive stress injuries can be prevented and regulate how long a child can play in a certain position. For instance, to reduce the chance of shoulder injury, a pitcher would not be able to pitch an entire game, Tonino said. However, parents who place their children in several sports leagues simultaneously are only putting their children at greater risk for injury, he said.