Reducing Risk in Sport

Reducing Risk in Sport

1. Personal Measures

   • Wear the Correct Clothing
     • Reduces risk by attempting to preventing injuries from impact in particular.
     • e.g. Shin pads are used to reduce the risk of fracturing the shins in football and hockey.
   • Warm Up
     • Reduces risk by preventing injuries as the sportsperson's body would not be ready for exercise.
   • Allow Recovery Time
     • Reduces risk by preventing overuse injuries such as stress fractures.
   • Apply the Game's Rules Correctly
     • Reduces risk by preventing performers from causing damage to themselves or others.
     • e.g. Illegal use of the boot is forbidden in rugby, meaning that players are not allowed to stamp on or kick one another.
   • Complete a PAR-Q
     • Reduces risk by enabling sportspeople to limit their participation based on identified health risks.

2. Other Measures

   • Balance the Competition
     • Reduces risk by preventing players from injuring one another due to their physical differences..
     • Achieved by matching age, ability, gender and weight.
   • Check the Equipment
     • Reduces risk by ensuring that the performers are not harmed by faulty equipment or lack of protection.
     • e.g. Post protectors around rugby posts will reduce the impact of a collision between player and post.
   • Check the Facilities
     • Reduces risk by ensuring that the environment is safe for the sport taking place and will not harm participants.
     • e.g. Removing dog poo from the pitch.