Engaging in sporting activities comes with some level of risk. Whether it be by making a wrong move or from colliding with another player, the physical nature of sports and exercise presents a chance of injury. Even bystanders run the risk of being injured. With most sports, rules and regulations are put into place to prevent such injury, however, the individual player has the greatest power over their safety. When engaging in sporting activities or events, whether as a player or a bystander, there are tips to follow that can help prevent injuries.
- Wear Proper Safety Equipment
Each sport has different risks depending on the circumstances of the game. Proper equipment is designed for each sport with those specific risks in mind. For example, because sports like football and hockey involve heavy physical contact, shoulder, chest and knee pads, as well as helmets, are required to provide bodily protection from harmful blows. Even something as simple as shoe grips or cleats are designed to help prevent falling. Regardless of the sport you are engaging in, you should wear the proper protective equipment to prevent injuries from avoidable accidents.
- Know Your Limits
You should always know your physical limits and comply accordingly when engaging in physical activity. For example, if you are recovering from a knee injury, then you should not engage in more activity than is advised by your doctor. An injury causes the affected area to be more susceptible, so exerting too much force could cause the injury to worsen. It is wise to exercise with caution and in moderation. This also applies if you are experiencing soreness, stiff joints, trouble breathing or any other medical problems affecting your physical capabilities.
- Stay Hydrated
When engaging in heavy physical activity, you are much more likely to become dehydrated, which can lead to muscle cramps, strains and spasms or can even increase the risk of heat exhaustion. Your body needs hydration and electrolytes to function properly and to its full potential, so it’s important to drink plenty of water during such activity. This is especially true on hot and humid days. In addition, it would be wise to avoid alcohol consumption before sporting activities, as this increases dehydration.
- Practice Caution with Other Players
Although you do not have much control over the actions of your opponents during a sporting activity, you do have control of yours. When playing a physical contact sport, you should try and avoid any more physical exertion than is needed. Throwing a harder blow than necessary or one that is not necessary at all can not only harm your opponent, but it could cause you harm as well. In addition, when it is completely unnecessary, you could even be penalized.
- Check for Safe Field Conditions
Sometimes accidents can be caused by forces that are seemingly outside of your power, such as an unkempt or unsafe playing field. Whether rain caused a field to be slipper or holes are present, if the conditions of the playing field present dangers, then you should avoid play until conditions are safe. This may mean waiting a few hours for the area to dry, or pointing out conditions to the facility management. Avoiding playing in unsafe conditions can prevent injuries that otherwise probably wouldn’t occur.
Sports are intended to provide pleasure, exercise and healthy competition to those engaging in the activity. To keep the activity within these bounds, it is wise to take any measure possible to prevent harm and injuries to everyone involved. This means following the rules of the game, respecting opponents and officials and taking the necessary safety precautions.
If you do suffer from a sports injury, then you should seek the proper medical attention. If you believe someone is at fault for your injury, then you should contact sports injury lawyers Twin Cities, MN residents trust who can help review your situation to determine if you have a case. If you do, then you may be entitled to compensation.
Thank you to our contributors at the law offices of Johnston Martineau for the above information.