Most kids love sports, but engaging in some may increase their risk of injury. While no sport is completely safe, and accidents do occasionally happen, some sporting events and types can increase your child's risk for injury. Understanding the risks and dangers involved in any sport and knowing what protective gear or equipment may reduce their risk for injury will help you make better decisions about sports to ensure your child's safety.
Young Children
Young children are generally resilient regardless of the type of sport they engage in, according to Dr. Sally Harris of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. She states that young children are not able to create the physical force necessary to cause serious injury in their peers. Younger children below the age of twelve may be able to engage in contact sports like soccer and Pee Wee football without undue concern regarding serious injury. Of course, parents and coaches are encouraged to ensure that children wear protective gear such as helmets and knee and elbow pads for added protection.
Non-Contact Sports
Sports and activities like tennis and swimming may be a safe choice for children of all ages wishing to avoid injury. Other than the occasional trip or fall, sports like tennis and swimming don't engage in overt physical contact with other players. On the other hand, young gymnasts experience over 20,000 accidents and injuries a year.
Playground Accidents
Nearly any sport that involves the use of a ball has the potential to cause an accident or injury. Schoolyard games like tether ball and foursquare often cause collisions between children five to fourteen years of age, according to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford.
Contact Sports
As the physical contact between players in various sporting events increases, so does the likelihood of injury. Sports like football, soccer, rugby and lacrosse engage multiple players often running into each other, kicking or scrimmaging together, increasing the risk of injury. According to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and the American Academy of Pediatrics, over three million children are injured playing contact sports every year. Sports like basketball, softball and baseball cause the largest number of injuries among children. Ice or field hockey cause over 70,000 injuries of children up to 18 years of age.
Solitary Sports
Bike riding and skateboarding injuries are common in children between 5 and 14 years of age, as are in-line skating and rollerblading accidents. Wearing protective head wear and elbow and knee pads may help protect children from injuries that are more serious.
