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Youth sports are great for a variety of reasons: they promote physical activity, instill the importance of teamwork, and open the door to lifelong friendships. Unfortunately, there is also the chance of injury. No matter what safety precautions we take, injuries are bound to happen. While it is impossible to completely eliminate this risk, there are steps you can take to reduce it.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind to prevent your child from getting hurt this season:

• Before the season starts, bring your child to the doctor for a physical. Almost all schools and leagues require athletes to be medically cleared before participating.

• A proper warm up and cool down is essential for preventing soft tissue injuries. Make sure your child’s team engages in light activity and stretching at the beginning of every practice.

• Hydration is important. Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids before and after practice, and know the signs of dehydration and heat sickness should they occur.

• All equipment should be thoroughly inspected to ensure it is up to standards. Make sure that everything fits properly; padding that is too tight or too loose isn’t nearly as effective.

• Avoid overuse. Between the longer seasons, off-season leagues, and specialty camps, your child may not be resting enough.

• Proper technique – especially in contact sports – is critical to preventing injuries. Movements such as tackling, throwing, and even running can all be done incorrectly and increase your risk of injury.

If your child does sustain an injury, trust the doctors at Orthopaedic Specialty Group to get them on the road to recovery. With three locations in Fairfield County and two urgent care centers, we are there when you need us, where you need us. Visit our website for more information, or call (203) 337-2600 to schedule your appointment.