Prevention of Injury (OCR GCSE Physical Education (PE)): Revision Note

Risk & prevention of injury in physical activity

In order to prevent injury during training there are several factors that should be considered:

• Personal protective equipment is designed to reduce the risk of injury.

• Different sports use different types depending on the level of contact and physical risk

  • For example in cricket, a batter typically wears a helmet, leg pads, guards and gloves in case a fast-moving ball strikes them

  • Other examples are shin guards, gum shields, buoyancy aids, head guards and knee pads

• Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn at all times

  • Clothing should allow for the full range of motion required

  • Be appropriately sized, tied and attached

    • For example wearing the correct size footwear helps to prevent blisters, provides ankle support and cushioning

  • Jewellery should be removed, hair tied back and laces tied

  • Incorrect clothing and footwear can cause injury to the performer or an opponent

    • For example runners have spikes for grip and performance, but the length of the spikes are monitored as they can cause injury to others

• Training or activity intensity should provide an appropriate level of competition so that it is challenging but manageable

  • For example competitions are made safe and fair by the use of weight, age and gender categories or handicap systems

• Any training techniques should be used correctly

  • E.g. when lifting heavy weights spotters should be present and the lifter's back should be kept straight

  • Poor technique, in lifting and throwing for example, can put too much strain on related muscles

• A warm up routine should be completed at the start of a training session to increase the blood flow going to the working muscles, increasing temperature and flexibility

• Cooling down effectively helps maintain an elevated breathing rate and heart rate

  • This provides continued blood flow and increased oxygen to the active muscles, which helps with the removal of lactic acid

Identifying potential hazards in sport settings

• Most sports facilities will have a risk assessment process but there are many hazards that need to be considered in various sports settings: