Percentage Of Kids Who Are Injured In Football

At the beginning of each football season, players eagerly rush out onto the field while their parents worry that they may sustain a serious injury from the sport. The good news is that when injuries do occur, they are rarely severe and usually do not require a doctor's care. Following basic safety rules can allow your child to play youth football with risk of severe injury.

Number of Injuries

The Journal of Athletic Training reported in 2007 that an estimated 28 percent of the 5.5 million youth football players between the ages of 5 and 14 are injured each year. About 187,000 of these injuries require emergency medical care. In general, younger and lighter players are at less risk of injury than older, heavier players. This may be because heavier players exert more force on themselves and each other in the case of a collision.

Types

The most common types of injuries in youth football players are bruises, ligament sprains and muscle strains. The most common areas of the body for injuries are the hand and wrist, ankle, foot and knee. Concussions and other head injuries as well as spinal and neck injuries are less common. The vast majority, or approximately 95 percent, of injuries are minor, according to the Journal of Athletic Training.

Considerations

Youth may suffer overuse injuries, especially in the beginning of the football season, when they haven't yet been properly conditioned and may be pushing themselves too hard. Another common problem is heat stress, particularly during hot and humid weather. Children should have medical check-ups before the season begins to screen them for potential health issues that may lead to injury or illness.

Prevention

Coaches and parents can prevent many football injuries by insisting on proper behavior and appropriate safety equipment use. Helmets, mouth guards, padding and footwear are all important tools to keep children safe while playing football. The playing fields should be well-maintained. The coaches should be trained in first aid and CPR, since most injuries that occur can be managed on the field. Children should understand good sportsmanship and safety rules and warm up before playing to reduce the incidence of injury.