Many children play soccer, football, field hockey or lacrosse starting from an early age. Injuries occurring in these types of outdoor field sports are easy to sustain. It is important that parents advise children on the proper gear and way to play in order to prevent injuries from occurring.

Use these outdoor sports safety tips to ensure your child stays safe during his or her next game.

• Warm up and stretch before playing.
• It's important to have the proper equipment for soccer injury prevention. Require all players to wear protective gear such as shin guards to protect lower legs in soccer and helmets for football.
• Require children to wear shoes with molded cleats or ribbed soles.
• Don’t let children sit or hang on goals. Serious injuries have been reported when goals fall on players.
• Make sure goal posts are well padded and properly secured.
• Fill in low spots and bare spots in the playing surface.
• Use balls made of synthetic material on wet playing fields. Leather balls can become water-logged and heavy when wet.

• Be prepared for emergency situations. Have a plan in place to reach medical personnel in the event of serious injuries such as fractures, sprains or concussions.