Soccer is a contact sport and players get injured. Concussions, sprains and bruising are not unusual. Swimming may not come with the usual injuries found in contact sports, but stress injuries are common.

There are basic safety precautions your teen can take to reduce injury:

  • Schedule a check up with your child’s doctor to make sure there are no health concerns that would prevent participation.
  • Follow the rules. Many rules in competitive youth sports, especially those involving equipment, are designed to help prevent serious injury. Wearing shin guards, mouth guards, helmets and protective cups should be routine.
  • Encourage your teen to stretch before and after each workout or game.
  • Don’t let your child play through pain. An injury can worsen if your child continues to play. Be extra cautious with head injuries and make sure a doctor clears your teen to return following an injury.
  • Have your child remove jewelry and piercings before playing.
  • Make sure your child stays hydrated. They should drink plenty of water before, during and after a game or practice.

Source: Nemours Foundation. Teenshealth.org