With the school year starting back up across Northeast Ohio, it’s time for many students to get back into their athletic seasons, which means the possibility of athletic injuries. And while the occasional bump or scrape is par for the course in many sports, a major injury or concussion can sideline a young player for a game, match, season or even a lifetime. Here are some tips to help you manage your child’s risk of athletic injuries and enjoy a successful season:

• Talk often. Ask your young athlete how they’re feeling, and pay special attention after a hard hit or a particularly difficult game or match. Let them know that they should come to you when they’re in pain or not feeling 100 percent.
• Get a physical. Many sports programs will require young athletes to undergo basic physicals, which help determine whether or not your young athlete is fit to play. Even if it’s not required, getting a physical before a new sports season is still a good idea, as it may reveal something you and your child need to know.
• When it’s time to rest, rest. One of the most common types of injuries in young athletes is overuse injuries, which can be prevented by resting effectively. Make sure your athlete rests between practices or games. Along those same lines, make sure they get plenty of sleep, as muscle fatigue and lack of sleep can increase the risk of injury.
• Use the right equipment. Learn about the protective equipment in your child’s sport, and be sure the equipment is worn and sized correctly.
• Technique is everything. Ultimately, the proper technique – whether throwing a baseball, running on a track or tackling an opponent – is your child’s greatest ally in preventing injury. There’s a right way and a wrong way to play any sport, and doing it the right way will keep them in the game longer.
• Stay hydrated. Dehydration is common in many sports, especially during the hot and humid days of late summer. Make sure your young athlete has plenty of water before, during and after a sporting event, and watch for signs of heat-related illness, such as fatigue, nausea or vomiting.

Learn more about preventing injuries and staying healthy for the sports season at Johns Hopkins website.