Sports Fall Prevention News Releases

  • Please note: Before filling in the names of the Organization and Organization spokesperson, you MUST contact them to obtain their permission to use their names in this press release, and you must get their approval for the language in their quotations, and any changes or additions they may require. Only after this is done should you send out the press release.

The New York State Child Fall Prevention Campaign Promotes Safety Measures to Protect Children at Play

Be a team player! Prepare your kids for action by making sure they wear the right safety gear for their sport.

Falls are a leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits among children ages 19 years and under in New York State (NYS) and often occur during sports activities. Hospitals treat an average of more than 106,000 fall-related injuries to children under 19 each year. These injuries account for almost $111 million in charges for hospital emergency department visits and almost $53 million in hospitalization charges. Falls most often occur at home, on playgrounds, and while playing sports. The good news is that parents and caregivers can prevent fall-related injuries among children.

"Childhood falls can be an everyday occurrence. Just because they're common doesn't mean they can't be prevented. It's critical to recognize the risks of falls to children and how to prevent injuries caused from falling," said (name and title) of the (local health agency name).

"Fall injuries among children often occur while playing sports," said (insert name). Sports injuries are most common among children aged 10 to 19 years. To decrease the risk of children being injured while playing sports, caregivers should take the following precautions:

  • Always supervise children while engaging in sports and recreational activities.
  • Ensure children wear appropriate protective gear for their sport.
  • Make sure children have a yearly physical so they can safely engage in sports and recreational activities.
  • Check that playing fields do not have holes or ruts that may cause children to fall or trip.
  • Make sure children prepare for being physically active by warming up beforehand by stretching and drinking plenty of fluids.

For more information on childhood falls, call the (local health agency name) at (phone number).