Protect young athletes with youth sports injury prevention methods
The effects of sports participation on both physical and mental well-being are undeniable, however, the risk of injury is an ever-present concern that athletes, parents, and coaches struggle to minimise every day. In Australia, 41% of young Australians 15 years and older engage in some form of sport-related activity at least once a week. While the rise in young people engaging in sports is encouraging, it also leaves room for an increase in injuries.
For instance, 17,600 unintentional injury hospitalisations of youth in 2018-19 were due to sports injuries (AIHW, 2019). This key figure highlights the importance of youth sports injury prevention strategies to ensure fewer injuries and more peace of mind for parents and coaches.
By implementing evidence-based injury prevention methods, we can help young athletes stay safe while participating in their favourite sports. Additionally, young athletes' awareness of sports safety translates into more young people engaging in sports for longer periods and ensuring everyone has a positive experience.
Youth sports injury prevention methods for improved safety Injury prevention is often at the top of the minds of young athletes, their parents, and coaches, but with the right safety interventions, risks can be minimised for a better experience.
Proper warm-up and cool-down routines
Establishing thorough warm-up and cool-down routines plays a big role in injury prevention. A proper warm-up gradually increases heart rate, blood flow, and body temperature, preparing the body for physical activity. This should include dynamic routines, featuring gentle exercises and static stretching that helps minimise muscle soreness and maintain flexibility. Coaches and athletes should take time to engage in these routines before and after each session or competition.
Gradual progression in training intensity
Avoiding any sudden increases in training intensity is key to preventing overuse injuries. Coaches should create training programs that gradually increase the volume, complexity of exercises, and intensity over time. This approach allows young athletes’ bodies to adapt to the physical demands of the sport. It helps reduce the risk of overuse injuries. One good rule to follow is the ‘10% rule’ which says that training volume shouldn’t increase by more than 10% each week.
Youthsafe: Instilling confidence in Australian youth
Youthsafe is on a mission to promote the safety and wellbeing of Australian youth. Aside from injury prevention, we also focus on empowering young people to stay safe at work, while socialising, and driving.
Our sports safety for young people programs are designed to help young Australians and their adult influencers with the tools they need to create safer environments with evidencebased approaches.