1. Preventing Sports Injuries
BTEC LEVEL 3: SPORT, DEVELOPMENT, COACHING AND FITNESS

2. Learning Objectives Identify intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors
Describe preventative measures for each type of risk factor

3. The Numbers
One person in every ten sustains an injury each year (Nicholl et al., 1991)

5. Prevention
In the past, sports care was more concerned with diagnosing and treating rather than preventing
Now we know that once an injury starts to surface, it is too late

6. Intrinsic or Extrinsic
Task
Create a table listing as many risk factors as you can think of
Swap with a partner and they will fill in the other two columns
Risk factor
Intrinsic or Extrinsic
Preventative measure

7. Prevention Injuries are prevented by: Identifying risk factors
Addressing risks with preventive measures

8. Prevention Program A comprehensive prevention program includes:
Pre-sports Physical
Appropriate clothing and footwear
Respecting your environment
Using proper Equipment
Proper Coaching
Getting in shape
Don’t Overdo It
Structure your workout properly
Learn Proper Technique

9. Appropriate Clothing & Footwear
Makes exercise safer and more enjoyable
Keeps body temp. at comfortable level
Wear more clothing at the start of a work out and take off layers as necessary
Footwear
Correct shoes for your sport/activity
Socks to prevent blisters and add support/cushion

10. Respect Your Environment
Watch weather - overheating and overcooling
Athletes may become too hot or too cold depending on temperature, humidity, and wind conditions

11. Respect Your Environment
Tips for Cold Weather Exercise
Proper clothing is essential
Endurance sports do not require as much clothing as stop and start sports
Wear multiple layers!
Polypropylene fabric is recommended
Carries sweat away from the skin
Keeps body from cooling too rapidly
Most heat is lost through the head and face so keep covered

12. Respect Your Environment
Cool weather tips
Remember to stay hydrated even when its cold
Air pollution
Until recently, only urban areas were affected with heavy air pollution
Now rural areas must be aware
Watch local weather for cautions about exercise and air pollution

13. Use Proper Equipment
If activity requires equipment, make sure it is in proper working order
Protective equipment such as helmets, mouth guards, shoulder pads, etc. should be used as well

14. Task
List a range of different sports and write down what protective clothing or equipment is associated with that sport

15. Get Proper Coaching
Qualified coaches should be trained to improve athletic skill and prevent injuries
Proper instruction is especially important in high-risk sports (e.g. gymnastics, football, etc.)
Also important in lower risk activities where improper technique could lead to overuse injuries (e.g. running, tennis, etc.)
Coaches should be certified in their sport by a national association

16. Get In Shape Conditioning
Improves health and well-being
Reduces the risk of injury
Enhances performance
Improves heart-lung endurance, strength, flexibility, body composition, etc.
Conditioning should contain sport specific exercises as well

17. Don’t Overdo It
“too much too soon” is one of the main causes of injury
Injuries can develop when frequency, duration, or intensity is suddenly increased
Frequency = ?
Duration = ?
Intensity = ?

18. Learn Proper Technique
Acute injuries often result from poor technique that leads to accidents
Repetitive use of improper technique leads to overuse injuries
Get proper instruction from a coach who is certified to avoid poor technique

19. TASK
Produce a fact sheet explaining the different types of risks associated with sporting activity and what methods could be put in place to minimise these risks.

20. Learning Objectives Identify intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors
Describe preventative measures for each type of risk factor