Sport Safe

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• Warm up, stretch and warm down
• Play the game by the rules – Play fair and safe!
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
• Modify sports to make them safer - adapt rules or equipment to suit age and level of players
• Match players in weight, height, strength and skill
• The playing area should be level and free of obstructions
• Injuries are more likely to happen when you are tired. Don’t play for as long as you can - use reserve players
• Improved fitness and skills prevents injury
• A trained and well equipped First Aider should be present at the game
• Gear up for the event - wear protective equipment

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Early first aid treatment of injuries can often help prevent the severity of the injury and any further damage.

• All parents, sporting officials and coaches should learn basic first aid
• Learn resuscitation techniques
• Have a fully equipped first aid kit at the sporting club, in your home and in the car
• Emergency numbers should be placed near every phone
• Children should be given basic education on injury treatment and management
• Prohibit injured players from returning to the sport – further play may cause further damage

If you receive a sports injury RICER treatment should be started within 15 minutes:

R   Rest the injured person and injured body part
I    Ice for 20 minutes every 2 hours in the first 24 to 48 hours
C   Compression with a firm bandage to reduce swelling
E   Elevation of the injured area above the level of the heart       to reduce swelling and pain
R   Refer for further treatment / assistance

Source: St John Ambulance Australia Inc. First Aid, 2007 available from www.stjohn.org.au

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For more information:

• Soccer Goalpost Safety
• Trampolines Safety
• Basketball Rings and Backboards Safety