Encourage playing by the rules: Just like following the traffic lights at intersections helps prevent road accidents, so can following the rules of the game help prevent injury. Talk to your little sports person about this aspect of sportsmanship.

Get prompt medical attention: Accidents do happen. Even if the child has been given first aid, do not delay taking your child to her own doctor or a specialist if the situation seems to warrant it. Untreated or inadequately treated injuries can lead to permanent damage. Be especially aware of the risk of concussions after on-field collisions. If your child seems nauseated, or complains of a headache, or can’t seem to remember things, treat it as an emergency.

Don’t allow her to play when injured: Don’t give in to pressure to allow her to play when already injured, it doesn’t allow the first injury to heal fully, and can result in even greater injuries. Sure, kids are resilient but don’t assume that they will be able to bounce back just because they think they can.

Don’t push: It is vital that parents and the coach don’t adopt an overzealous approach in terms of training methods. A child should be encouraged to do well, irrespective of success and failure. Unfortunately, it’s a narrow minded, myopic world out there, wracked by the competitive impulse. Never goad your child on with your high expectations. Sport should be fun, and undertaken in a spirit of enjoyment and sportsmanship.

The rules of injury prevention:
• Sports injuries mainly happen simply because we ignore important dos and don’ts.
• There must be a gap of at least two hours after a full meal.
• While playing in hot and humid conditions, make sure to drink enough fluids.
• The water consumed should be cold and consumed in 3-6 oz. quantities every 10-15 minutes during exercise.
• Many experts recommend having sports drinks if workouts last longer than 45 minutes. Some studies indicate that sports drinks with 6 or 8 percent carbohydrates plus sodium replace fluids faster than water.
• Make sure the child gets correct meals pre and post sports activity.
• Special care must be given to ensure the wearing of appropriate attire in hot, humid and cold weather conditions.
• Ensure continued diligence with regard to warm ups and cool down.

When your child plays solo:
While the bulk of sports that children are involved in tend to be team oriented, like basketball or cricket, but some kids prefer to be alone in their pursuits, therefore keep the following points in consideration:
• If your child likes to cycle or skate, take the time to find out where she will be at, and lay down some ground rules about where and when she can. Make areas with traffic and unsafe localities out of bounds.
• Ensure that she is protected from the sun, is wearing all prescribed safety equipment, and is carrying enough water to remain hydrated.