by Karyn Maier, Managing Editor

More than 3.5 million children under the age of 15 suffer sports-related injuries in the US each year. Surprisingly, more than 62% of these injuries occur during practice sessions and not during games. What can you do to help reduce injuries in your youth sports program?

To help coaches and parents make youth sports safer for our children, the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation Inc. has named April as National Youth Sports Safety Month. The following are some tips from the foundation to help you evaluate and remedy any potential safety issues that may affect your community’s youth.

1. Inspect all sports equipment on a regular basis to make sure it is in good working condition.
2. Check the facilities and grounds for potential hazards, such as rocks, broken glass, unstable bleachers, etc.
3. Make sure that there is a first aid kit and ice available during every practice and game.
4. Have children practice stretching and warm-up exercises , as well as cool down exercises, before and after each practice or game.
5. Establish—and enforce—a Parent’s Code of Conduct.
6. Draft (and practice) a written emergency and evacuation plan in the event of an accident, fire or other emergency.
7. Consider mandatory first aid and CPR certification for all coaching staff.
8. Be sure to complete thorough background checks before engaging any coach or volunteer staff member.