SPORT INJURY PREVENTION

Sports injury prevention is important to preserve life and to  help in career development in players  since sports injuries damage career of many players .Here are 7 ways for sport  injury prevention

                                                                                                                                                       

1)PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND FIELD CHANGES

Protective equipment help in preventing harmful movements ,reduce or disperse shock and force and act as a shield to block force .Protective clothing include :footwear ,helmets ,googles ,gum shield ,gloves ,shin pads ,bindings and shoulder pads .For example in Canada ,young boys sustaining eye or facial injuries began to wear face masks and helmets to prevent these traumatic events ,after this requirement was established ,it was found that facial injuries decreased.

Fields can be modified to decrease the number of rocks ,potholes and others which make the field rough .This help in reducing and preventing injuries ,especially to the competitors.

2)MEETING NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Increasing carbohydrate ,fluid  ,and protein intake can play an important role in injury prevention by delaying fatigue and promoting recovery

3)INDIVIDUAL PREPARATION

Before youths sign up for a particular sport ,the parents and the child should do a research on the equipment required for that particular sport .The child should also go for an early physical exam by a medical doctor ,which help in assessing the child’s general health and fitness status

4)ADHERENCE TO THE RULES

If all players  adhere to the rules and laws of the game then injuries can be reduced ,both the aggressor and victim will hopefully not sustain injury

5)RULE   CHANGES

Change of rules by officials and coaches in an individual  sport help in preventing sport injuries. One of the most successful rule alterations that resulted in a reduction in cervical spine injuries was the outlawing of ‘spearing ‘ by football players .Spearing is the act of making an initial cantact with the helmet when tackling an opponent .Studies after this rule around 1976 ,showed  a significant reduction in the number of quadriplegic events to these young athletes because stiff penalties were  issued to football players for ‘spearing,’ this form of tackling decreased overtime

6)REGULAR FITNESS TESTING

It will ensure that individuals  have the basic fitness to participate safely and effectively .All participants in a sport should be able to meet the demands of that sport or exercise .The use of field-based and laboratory –based testing can highlight any weaknesses in individuals that may lead to injury .

7)PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAINING

Some form of mental skills training and practice could reduce injury by reducing anxiety ,improving attentional focus and allowing an athlete to achieve optimal arousal for their sport.