BBC Sport Academy | Learning Centre

If you are unlucky enough to get injured, here are some basic things to help minimise damage.

Head injuries: It is important that you do not rejoin the training session or competition even if you think you feel OK.

Make sure you see a doctor and follow their advice.

Broken bones: These require immediate medical treatment.

Cuts: If you are cut during training or competition, your coach should use basic first aid to stop bleeding until you can receive medical attention.

Coaches and parents should wear proper sterilised plastic gloves when treating all cuts.

Pete Sampras puts an ice pack on his shoulder
Ince packs reduce swelling on injuries

Grazes: Clean any dirt from a graze very gently and if you can, use antiseptic cream and a light band-aid or bandage to stop infection.

But check if the injured person has any allergies before you do any of this.

Muscle strains and tears: Put a bag of crushed ice or cold pack on the injury as soon as possible.

The cold pack should be kept on the injury for 10-15 minutes, and then taken off for 10-15 minutes.

This procedure should be repeated until the swelling begins to decrease.

Raising the injured part of your body while applying ice also helps recovery.

If you are at all worried about an injury to yourself or others, make sure you seek professional medical help either through your doctor or hospital.


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