Any sport has inherent risks. Any sport with contact is going to have a higher risk factor than one without. Many sports which appear to be non-contact may have a lot of contact. Soccer and basketball come to mind.

Dangerous is an inappropriate word. Dangerous means that you are likely to be killed or seriously injured. While there are a lot of overuse injuries as well as sprains and strains, the actual number of deaths is very low in youth sports. When it does happen it is usually because of negligence, not the sport itself.

Here are my top five ways to minimize the risk of injury for youth sports:

1) Be physically prepared. Don't think because they are kids they are in shape and ready to play. They need proper physical preparation.

2) Play multiple sports. Focusing on one sport can lead to overuse injuries as well as limiting the athletic development of the child.

3) Use common sense. Follow the safety guidelines of the sport. For instance, make sure that all athletes drink water during hot summer practices.

4) If your child is injured, take it seriously. Don't have them play in pain. It will make the injury worse. Do not think children are like professional athletes who might have to play through the pain.

5) Keep everything age appropriate. Don't push kids beyond what they are physically ready to do. Besides the risk of injury, you increase the likelihood of them burning out and quitting.

If you agree with me and would like more information, go to my blog: www.kidfitnessexpert.wordpress .com or my website, www.athleticskillsforsoccer.co m.

If you disagree you really should go!

Learn more about this author, Ron Usher.
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