Fred Bowen's "The Score" column,
March 7, 2008, Washington Post

What You Don't Know Might Hurt You

Anytime you read the sports section or watch ESPN's "Sports Center," it seems you learn that another athlete is hurt.

The Washington Wizards are waiting for star players Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler to come back from injuries to help them make the National Basketball Association playoffs. The Washington Nationals are hoping that pitchers Shawn Hill and John Patterson don't get injured again this season. Even the new player for the Washington Capitals, goalie Cristobal Huet, is hurting: He has back spasms.

Injuries are part -- a big part -- of every sport.

That's true with kids sports, too. According to the National Center for Sports Safety, about 3 1/2 million kids under 15 receive medical treatment for sports injuries each year.

Every sport involves some risk. Think about the flips that divers and gymnasts do, or how fast a lacrosse ball whizzes toward the net. Yes, sports can be dangerous. That's one reason why they're more fun to play than video games, where about the only thing you can hurt is your thumbs.

Injuries, though, are not fun. Leagues and adults can do more to keep young athletes safe, such as limiting the length of the sports seasons and making sure that players wear proper safety gear. But kids can do more, too.

Pay attention. Be alert whenever you are on or around a playing field. Sports are not a place for fooling around -- even at practice. A study by Safe Kids USA found that 62 percent of all injuries in organized sports happen at practice, not in games.

Don't ignore pain. If your elbow starts hurting when you pitch or your ankles and knees are always sore when you play soccer, tell a grown-up. TV announcers make a big deal out of professional athletes who play when injured. But kids should never play when they are hurt. Leave the hero stuff to the pros. If you're hurt, seek help.

Get enough rest. In addition to getting a good night's sleep every night, take a day or two off from sports every week to let your body rest and recover. Too many kids play so many sports and on so many teams that they are bound to get hurt.

The games are fun. Make sure you stay in the game.

Fred Bowen writes KidsPost's sports opinion column and is an author of sports novels for kids.

© 2007 The Washington Post Company