Alex Ehsan · Locker room print center

Find your sport poster

320 illustrated sport safety posters for teens and student athletes. Open an image to view it at full size, or download it for printing.

Dedicated safety posters for all 20 listed sports. These do not replace individual injury assessment or return-to-play clearance. Collection review and listed revisions approved by Alex Ehsan, MD, PhD on September 28, 2026.

Browse all sports

320 posters

Basketball

PREPARE FOR EVERY PLAY. Warm up before every practice. Wear supportive, non-slip shoes. Check the court for hazards. Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer. Stay ready. Keep your game strong.
Text and source

Warm up before every practice.

Wear supportive, non-slip shoes.

Check the court for hazards.

Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer.

Stay ready. Keep your game strong.

AAOS OrthoInfo

American Football

GEAR UP. BUILD UP.. Check helmet and pad fit. Warm up hips, knees and calves. Build training gradually. Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer. Prepare well. Play with confidence.
Text and source

Check helmet and pad fit.

Warm up hips, knees and calves.

Build training gradually.

Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer.

Prepare well. Play with confidence.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Track and Field

BUILD UP. STAY STRONG.. Increase training gradually. Replace worn-out shoes. Mix in lower-impact training. Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer. Consistency builds your next best.
Text and source

Increase training gradually.

Replace worn-out shoes.

Mix in lower-impact training.

Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer.

Consistency builds your next best.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Soccer

READY YOUR LEGS. Warm up before kickoff. Wear well-fitting shin guards. Check the field for holes. Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer. Prepare together. Play stronger.
Text and source

Warm up before kickoff.

Wear well-fitting shin guards.

Check the field for holes.

Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer.

Prepare together. Play stronger.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Volleyball

CALL IT. CONTROL IT.. Warm up before the first serve. Wear supportive court shoes. Call for the ball to avoid collisions. Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer. Stay ready for the next rally.
Text and source

Warm up before the first serve.

Wear supportive court shoes.

Call for the ball to avoid collisions.

Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer.

Stay ready for the next rally.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Softball

PREPARE. PROTECT. PLAY.. Warm up before throwing. Wear a helmet for batting and base running. Practice sliding with your coach. Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer. Build a stronger season.
Text and source

Warm up before throwing.

Wear a helmet for batting and base running.

Practice sliding with your coach.

Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer.

Build a stronger season.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Wrestling

PROTECT YOUR EDGE.. Wear fitted headgear and knee pads. Practice technique under supervision. Shower and wear clean practice gear. Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer. Respect your body. Own the mat.
Text and source

Wear fitted headgear and knee pads.

Practice technique under supervision.

Shower and wear clean practice gear.

Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer.

Respect your body. Own the mat.

AOSSM

Tennis

PREPARE FOR EVERY POINT.. Warm up before the first rally. Wear supportive tennis shoes. Avoid excessive back arch on serves. Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer. Keep your game moving.
Text and source

Warm up before the first rally.

Wear supportive tennis shoes.

Avoid excessive back arch on serves.

Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer.

Keep your game moving.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Cross country

BUILD YOUR MILES WISELY. Warm up before every run. Build training gradually. Wear well-fitting running shoes. Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer. Train smart. Go the distance.
Text and source

Warm up before every run.

Build training gradually.

Wear well-fitting running shoes.

Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer.

Train smart. Go the distance.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Gymnastics

BUILD SKILLS. PROTECT JOINTS.. Warm up wrists and shoulders. Check mats and equipment. Learn new skills with your coach. Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer. Strong basics. Confident progress.
Text and source

Warm up wrists and shoulders.

Check mats and equipment.

Learn new skills with your coach.

Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer.

Strong basics. Confident progress.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Cheerleading

MASTER THE BASICS FIRST. Follow skill progressions. Use trained spotters and mats. Stay within your skill level. Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer. Strong foundations. Strong team.
Text and source

Follow skill progressions.

Use trained spotters and mats.

Stay within your skill level.

Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer.

Strong foundations. Strong team.

USA Cheer

Lacrosse

GEAR UP. PLAY SMART.. Use a dynamic warm-up. Wear required protective gear. Follow the rules of your game. Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer. Prepare well. Play with confidence.
Text and source

Use a dynamic warm-up.

Wear required protective gear.

Follow the rules of your game.

Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer.

Prepare well. Play with confidence.

USA Lacrosse

Ice hockey

PREPARE FOR EVERY SHIFT. Check protective gear fit. Warm up before hard skating. Respect the rules. Avoid reckless contact. Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer. Smart preparation. Strong shifts.
Text and source

Check protective gear fit.

Warm up before hard skating.

Respect the rules. Avoid reckless contact.

Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer.

Smart preparation. Strong shifts.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Golf

SWING SMART. PLAY LONG.. Warm up before your first swing. Build core and forearm strength. Practice a smooth, controlled swing. Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer. Make your next round your best.
Text and source

Warm up before your first swing.

Build core and forearm strength.

Practice a smooth, controlled swing.

Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer.

Make your next round your best.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Powerlifting & Weight Training

OWN YOUR FORM.. Learn technique with a qualified coach. Add load gradually, with control. Use safeties and a spotter when needed. Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer. Strong habits. Stronger you.
Text and source

Learn technique with a qualified coach.

Add load gradually, with control.

Use safeties and a spotter when needed.

Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer.

Strong habits. Stronger you.

NSCA

Martial Arts & Boxing

PROTECT YOUR FUTURE.. Use safe technique and appropriate protective equipment. Headgear does not make head impacts safe. Suspect a concussion? Stop immediately. No same-day return. Get healthcare-professional clearance before a graduated return.
Text and source

Use safe technique and appropriate protective equipment.

Headgear does not make head impacts safe.

Suspect a concussion? Stop immediately. No same-day return.

Get healthcare-professional clearance before a graduated return.

CDC HEADS UP

Additional clinical source

Cycling

GEAR UP. RIDE SMART.. Buckle a properly fitted helmet. Check brakes, tires and bike fit. Stay alert and follow road rules. Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer. Keep your next ride in sight.
Text and source

Buckle a properly fitted helmet.

Check brakes, tires and bike fit.

Stay alert and follow road rules.

Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer.

Keep your next ride in sight.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Pickleball

WARM UP. RALLY ON.. Warm up with easy hitting drills. Wear supportive court shoes. Learn sound swing and footwork. Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer. Build habits that keep you playing.
Text and source

Warm up with easy hitting drills.

Wear supportive court shoes.

Learn sound swing and footwork.

Report pain to your coach or athletic trainer.

Build habits that keep you playing.

AAOS OrthoInfo

landing pain is feedback

LANDING PAIN IS FEEDBACK. BASKETBALL LANDING PAIN IS FEEDBACK Report pain after rebounds. Reduce painful jumping. Ask for a movement assessment. Stop if your knee gives way. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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BASKETBALL

LANDING PAIN IS FEEDBACK

Report pain after rebounds.

Reduce painful jumping.

Ask for a movement assessment.

Stop if your knee gives way.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

a jammed finger needs attention

A JAMMED FINGER NEEDS ATTENTION. BASKETBALL A JAMMED FINGER NEEDS ATTENTION Stop if catching hurts. Report swelling or crooked alignment. Avoid pulling the finger straight. Deformity or numbness needs prompt care. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
Text and source

BASKETBALL

A JAMMED FINGER NEEDS ATTENTION

Stop if catching hurts.

Report swelling or crooked alignment.

Avoid pulling the finger straight.

Deformity or numbness needs prompt care.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

check your baseline space

CHECK YOUR BASELINE SPACE. BASKETBALL CHECK YOUR BASELINE SPACE Look for nearby obstacles. Keep bags off the court. Report unpadded posts and walls. Stop play when the area is unsafe. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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BASKETBALL

CHECK YOUR BASELINE SPACE

Look for nearby obstacles.

Keep bags off the court.

Report unpadded posts and walls.

Stop play when the area is unsafe.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

shoes need a game check

SHOES NEED A GAME CHECK. BASKETBALL SHOES NEED A GAME CHECK Check grip before warmups. Secure laces for every session. Replace worn or damaged footwear. Report slipping or new foot pain. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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BASKETBALL

SHOES NEED A GAME CHECK

Check grip before warmups.

Secure laces for every session.

Replace worn or damaged footwear.

Report slipping or new foot pain.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

head hit? speak up

HEAD HIT? SPEAK UP. BASKETBALL HEAD HIT? SPEAK UP Leave play after possible concussion. Tell an adult immediately. No same-day return. Medical clearance required. Worsening headache or repeated vomiting: emergency care. Source: CDC HEADS UP
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BASKETBALL

HEAD HIT? SPEAK UP

Leave play after possible concussion.

Tell an adult immediately.

No same-day return. Medical clearance required.

Worsening headache or repeated vomiting: emergency care.

Source: CDC HEADS UP

CDC HEADS UP

court vision includes teammates

COURT VISION INCLUDES TEAMMATES. BASKETBALL COURT VISION INCLUDES TEAMMATES Know who is nearby. Use controlled passing technique. Avoid pushing beneath the basket. Report pain after a collision. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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BASKETBALL

COURT VISION INCLUDES TEAMMATES

Know who is nearby.

Use controlled passing technique.

Avoid pushing beneath the basket.

Report pain after a collision.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

save your eyes on court

SAVE YOUR EYES ON COURT. BASKETBALL SAVE YOUR EYES ON COURT Use appropriate sports eye protection. Keep eyewear secure. Avoid playing with damaged lenses. Vision changes after impact need urgent care. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
Text and source

BASKETBALL

SAVE YOUR EYES ON COURT

Use appropriate sports eye protection.

Keep eyewear secure.

Avoid playing with damaged lenses.

Vision changes after impact need urgent care.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

keep your teeth in the game

KEEP YOUR TEETH IN THE GAME. BASKETBALL KEEP YOUR TEETH IN THE GAME Wear a fitted mouthguard. Check it for damage. Bring it to every practice. Report mouth injuries immediately. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
Text and source

BASKETBALL

KEEP YOUR TEETH IN THE GAME

Wear a fitted mouthguard.

Check it for damage.

Bring it to every practice.

Report mouth injuries immediately.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

count all your court time

COUNT ALL YOUR COURT TIME. BASKETBALL COUNT ALL YOUR COURT TIME Include club and school sessions. Share schedules with your coaches. Plan breaks from repetitive basketball. Report pain that returns each practice. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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BASKETBALL

COUNT ALL YOUR COURT TIME

Include club and school sessions.

Share schedules with your coaches.

Plan breaks from repetitive basketball.

Report pain that returns each practice.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

calf pain during a drive

CALF PAIN DURING A DRIVE. BASKETBALL CALF PAIN DURING A DRIVE Stop explosive moves that hurt. Tell your athletic trainer. Avoid repeated painful push-offs. Sudden pain with weakness needs assessment. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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BASKETBALL

CALF PAIN DURING A DRIVE

Stop explosive moves that hurt.

Tell your athletic trainer.

Avoid repeated painful push-offs.

Sudden pain with weakness needs assessment.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

foot pain between games

FOOT PAIN BETWEEN GAMES. BASKETBALL FOOT PAIN BETWEEN GAMES Notice pain during walking. Report a tender spot. Pause painful running and jumping. Persistent focal pain needs medical assessment. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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BASKETBALL

FOOT PAIN BETWEEN GAMES

Notice pain during walking.

Report a tender spot.

Pause painful running and jumping.

Persistent focal pain needs medical assessment.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

bench time can support recovery

BENCH TIME CAN SUPPORT RECOVERY. BASKETBALL BENCH TIME CAN SUPPORT RECOVERY Follow your rehabilitation plan. Keep follow-up appointments. Report symptoms as drills increase. Do not self-clear a new injury. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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BASKETBALL

BENCH TIME CAN SUPPORT RECOVERY

Follow your rehabilitation plan.

Keep follow-up appointments.

Report symptoms as drills increase.

Do not self-clear a new injury.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

train for more than shots

TRAIN FOR MORE THAN SHOTS. BASKETBALL TRAIN FOR MORE THAN SHOTS Include strength and flexibility. Build aerobic fitness gradually. Practice technique with coaching. Pain changes the session: tell your coach. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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BASKETBALL

TRAIN FOR MORE THAN SHOTS

Include strength and flexibility.

Build aerobic fitness gradually.

Practice technique with coaching.

Pain changes the session: tell your coach.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

the floor check comes first

THE FLOOR CHECK COMES FIRST. BASKETBALL THE FLOOR CHECK COMES FIRST Check for moisture and debris. Report slippery court sections. Wait until hazards are removed. Stop if traction is unsafe. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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BASKETBALL

THE FLOOR CHECK COMES FIRST

Check for moisture and debris.

Report slippery court sections.

Wait until hazards are removed.

Stop if traction is unsafe.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

a helmet is not concussion proof

A HELMET IS NOT CONCUSSION PROOF. AMERICAN FOOTBALL A HELMET IS NOT CONCUSSION PROOF Report symptoms after any hit. Leave play for suspected concussion. No same-day return. Return requires healthcare clearance. Source: CDC HEADS UP
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AMERICAN FOOTBALL

A HELMET IS NOT CONCUSSION PROOF

Report symptoms after any hit.

Leave play for suspected concussion.

No same-day return.

Return requires healthcare clearance.

Source: CDC HEADS UP

CDC HEADS UP

contact pain deserves a report

CONTACT PAIN DESERVES A REPORT. AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONTACT PAIN DESERVES A REPORT Tell staff where it hurts. Stop drills that worsen pain. Avoid hiding a new injury. Severe pain or deformity needs prompt care. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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AMERICAN FOOTBALL

CONTACT PAIN DESERVES A REPORT

Tell staff where it hurts.

Stop drills that worsen pain.

Avoid hiding a new injury.

Severe pain or deformity needs prompt care.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

check every pad before contact

CHECK EVERY PAD BEFORE CONTACT. AMERICAN FOOTBALL CHECK EVERY PAD BEFORE CONTACT Check shoulder and hip coverage. Report damaged protective gear. Have staff correct poor fit. Do not practice with unsafe equipment. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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AMERICAN FOOTBALL

CHECK EVERY PAD BEFORE CONTACT

Check shoulder and hip coverage.

Report damaged protective gear.

Have staff correct poor fit.

Do not practice with unsafe equipment.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

build conditioning before contact

BUILD CONDITIONING BEFORE CONTACT. AMERICAN FOOTBALL BUILD CONDITIONING BEFORE CONTACT Increase activity progressively. Include strength and aerobic training. Keep flexibility in your routine. Report pain before increasing workload. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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AMERICAN FOOTBALL

BUILD CONDITIONING BEFORE CONTACT

Increase activity progressively.

Include strength and aerobic training.

Keep flexibility in your routine.

Report pain before increasing workload.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

heat symptoms mean stop

HEAT SYMPTOMS MEAN STOP. AMERICAN FOOTBALL HEAT SYMPTOMS MEAN STOP Tell staff if dizzy or weak. Move to a cooler place. Use planned water and rest breaks. Confusion or collapse: call emergency services; start cooling. Source: CDC
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AMERICAN FOOTBALL

HEAT SYMPTOMS MEAN STOP

Tell staff if dizzy or weak.

Move to a cooler place.

Use planned water and rest breaks.

Confusion or collapse: call emergency services; start cooling.

Source: CDC

CDC

Additional clinical source

knee swelling after a tackle

KNEE SWELLING AFTER A TACKLE. AMERICAN FOOTBALL KNEE SWELLING AFTER A TACKLE Stop running and contact. Report swelling or instability. Seek a professional assessment. A locked knee needs prompt care. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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AMERICAN FOOTBALL

KNEE SWELLING AFTER A TACKLE

Stop running and contact.

Report swelling or instability.

Seek a professional assessment.

A locked knee needs prompt care.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

thumb pain changes your grip

THUMB PAIN CHANGES YOUR GRIP. AMERICAN FOOTBALL THUMB PAIN CHANGES YOUR GRIP Stop painful catching or blocking. Report swelling and weak grip. Avoid testing the joint repeatedly. Crooked alignment or numbness needs prompt care. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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AMERICAN FOOTBALL

THUMB PAIN CHANGES YOUR GRIP

Stop painful catching or blocking.

Report swelling and weak grip.

Avoid testing the joint repeatedly.

Crooked alignment or numbness needs prompt care.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

your shoulder should feel stable

YOUR SHOULDER SHOULD FEEL STABLE. AMERICAN FOOTBALL YOUR SHOULDER SHOULD FEEL STABLE Report slipping after contact. Avoid painful overhead drills. Get assessed before more tackling. Visible deformity needs urgent care. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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AMERICAN FOOTBALL

YOUR SHOULDER SHOULD FEEL STABLE

Report slipping after contact.

Avoid painful overhead drills.

Get assessed before more tackling.

Visible deformity needs urgent care.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

mouthguard in before the snap

MOUTHGUARD IN BEFORE THE SNAP. AMERICAN FOOTBALL MOUTHGUARD IN BEFORE THE SNAP Wear your fitted mouthguard. Check its condition regularly. Replace damaged protection with guidance. Report dental injuries immediately. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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AMERICAN FOOTBALL

MOUTHGUARD IN BEFORE THE SNAP

Wear your fitted mouthguard.

Check its condition regularly.

Replace damaged protection with guidance.

Report dental injuries immediately.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

practice breaks are part of training

PRACTICE BREAKS ARE PART OF TRAINING. AMERICAN FOOTBALL PRACTICE BREAKS ARE PART OF TRAINING Take scheduled water breaks. Tell coaches about unusual fatigue. Allow recovery between hard sessions. Stop if weakness or dizziness develops. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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AMERICAN FOOTBALL

PRACTICE BREAKS ARE PART OF TRAINING

Take scheduled water breaks.

Tell coaches about unusual fatigue.

Allow recovery between hard sessions.

Stop if weakness or dizziness develops.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

pain is not a depth-chart test

PAIN IS NOT A DEPTH-CHART TEST. AMERICAN FOOTBALL PAIN IS NOT A DEPTH-CHART TEST Report symptoms early. Tell staff about worsening pain. Follow the modified training plan. Stop drills that reproduce injury pain. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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AMERICAN FOOTBALL

PAIN IS NOT A DEPTH-CHART TEST

Report symptoms early.

Tell staff about worsening pain.

Follow the modified training plan.

Stop drills that reproduce injury pain.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

rehab before the next hit

REHAB BEFORE THE NEXT HIT. AMERICAN FOOTBALL REHAB BEFORE THE NEXT HIT Complete clinician-guided rehabilitation. Restore movement and strength. Build back through supervised drills. Returning symptoms need reassessment. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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AMERICAN FOOTBALL

REHAB BEFORE THE NEXT HIT

Complete clinician-guided rehabilitation.

Restore movement and strength.

Build back through supervised drills.

Returning symptoms need reassessment.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

calf and thigh warmup matters

CALF AND THIGH WARMUP MATTERS. AMERICAN FOOTBALL CALF AND THIGH WARMUP MATTERS Start with easy movement. Prepare hips, thighs and calves. Build speed after warming up. Sharp pain means stop and report. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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AMERICAN FOOTBALL

CALF AND THIGH WARMUP MATTERS

Start with easy movement.

Prepare hips, thighs and calves.

Build speed after warming up.

Sharp pain means stop and report.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

one sore spot deserves attention

ONE SORE SPOT DESERVES ATTENTION. TRACK AND FIELD ONE SORE SPOT DESERVES ATTENTION Report focal bone pain. Pause painful running or jumping. Seek assessment before more impact. Pain with walking needs medical review. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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TRACK AND FIELD

ONE SORE SPOT DESERVES ATTENTION

Report focal bone pain.

Pause painful running or jumping.

Seek assessment before more impact.

Pain with walking needs medical review.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

new season, gradual load

NEW SEASON, GRADUAL LOAD. TRACK AND FIELD NEW SEASON, GRADUAL LOAD Increase training progressively. Share all sessions with your coach. Build recovery into the plan. Report pain that persists between sessions. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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TRACK AND FIELD

NEW SEASON, GRADUAL LOAD

Increase training progressively.

Share all sessions with your coach.

Build recovery into the plan.

Report pain that persists between sessions.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

sprint pain? end the rep

SPRINT PAIN? END THE REP. TRACK AND FIELD SPRINT PAIN? END THE REP Stop after sudden thigh pain. Tell your coach or trainer. Avoid testing another maximal sprint. Weakness or difficulty walking needs assessment. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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TRACK AND FIELD

SPRINT PAIN? END THE REP

Stop after sudden thigh pain.

Tell your coach or trainer.

Avoid testing another maximal sprint.

Weakness or difficulty walking needs assessment.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

throwing arm fatigue is a signal

THROWING ARM FATIGUE IS A SIGNAL. TRACK AND FIELD THROWING ARM FATIGUE IS A SIGNAL Report pain during release. Avoid throwing through symptoms. Review technique and workload. Loss of strength needs assessment. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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TRACK AND FIELD

THROWING ARM FATIGUE IS A SIGNAL

Report pain during release.

Avoid throwing through symptoms.

Review technique and workload.

Loss of strength needs assessment.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

pole vault safety starts below

POLE VAULT SAFETY STARTS BELOW. TRACK AND FIELD POLE VAULT SAFETY STARTS BELOW Inspect equipment with your coach. Keep the landing area clear. Use supervised skill progressions. Stop when equipment or conditions are unsafe. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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TRACK AND FIELD

POLE VAULT SAFETY STARTS BELOW

Inspect equipment with your coach.

Keep the landing area clear.

Use supervised skill progressions.

Stop when equipment or conditions are unsafe.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

jump landings need a clear zone

JUMP LANDINGS NEED A CLEAR ZONE. TRACK AND FIELD JUMP LANDINGS NEED A CLEAR ZONE Check the landing surface. Remove debris before attempts. Follow your coach's landing instruction. Report pain after an awkward landing. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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TRACK AND FIELD

JUMP LANDINGS NEED A CLEAR ZONE

Check the landing surface.

Remove debris before attempts.

Follow your coach's landing instruction.

Report pain after an awkward landing.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

shin pain is not a goal

SHIN PAIN IS NOT A GOAL. TRACK AND FIELD SHIN PAIN IS NOT A GOAL Tell your coach when pain begins. Reduce activities that trigger pain. Get persistent symptoms assessed. Pain at rest needs medical review. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
Text and source

TRACK AND FIELD

SHIN PAIN IS NOT A GOAL

Tell your coach when pain begins.

Reduce activities that trigger pain.

Get persistent symptoms assessed.

Pain at rest needs medical review.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

achilles pain? adjust the session

ACHILLES PAIN? ADJUST THE SESSION. TRACK AND FIELD ACHILLES PAIN? ADJUST THE SESSION Report painful push-offs. Pause painful sprinting and jumping. Get professional guidance on loading. A sudden pop needs prompt assessment. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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TRACK AND FIELD

ACHILLES PAIN? ADJUST THE SESSION

Report painful push-offs.

Pause painful sprinting and jumping.

Get professional guidance on loading.

A sudden pop needs prompt assessment.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

recovery belongs on the schedule

RECOVERY BELONGS ON THE SCHEDULE. TRACK AND FIELD RECOVERY BELONGS ON THE SCHEDULE Allow breaks from repetitive training. Vary activities with your coach. Avoid stacking hard sessions unplanned. Ongoing soreness needs a workload review. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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TRACK AND FIELD

RECOVERY BELONGS ON THE SCHEDULE

Allow breaks from repetitive training.

Vary activities with your coach.

Avoid stacking hard sessions unplanned.

Ongoing soreness needs a workload review.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

fuel supports strong bones

FUEL SUPPORTS STRONG BONES. TRACK AND FIELD FUEL SUPPORTS STRONG BONES Eat enough for training demands. Include varied nutrient-rich foods. Discuss unexplained fatigue with staff. Recurrent bone pain needs medical review. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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TRACK AND FIELD

FUEL SUPPORTS STRONG BONES

Eat enough for training demands.

Include varied nutrient-rich foods.

Discuss unexplained fatigue with staff.

Recurrent bone pain needs medical review.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

do not race through dizziness

DO NOT RACE THROUGH DIZZINESS. TRACK AND FIELD DO NOT RACE THROUGH DIZZINESS Stop and tell meet staff. Move to a cool safe place. Use planned hydration breaks. Confusion or collapse: call emergency services; start cooling. Source: CDC
Text and source

TRACK AND FIELD

DO NOT RACE THROUGH DIZZINESS

Stop and tell meet staff.

Move to a cool safe place.

Use planned hydration breaks.

Confusion or collapse: call emergency services; start cooling.

Source: CDC

CDC

Additional clinical source

spikes need the right fit

SPIKES NEED THE RIGHT FIT. TRACK AND FIELD SPIKES NEED THE RIGHT FIT Check footwear before sessions. Replace worn or damaged shoes. Discuss new foot pressure points. Report pain that changes your stride. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
Text and source

TRACK AND FIELD

SPIKES NEED THE RIGHT FIT

Check footwear before sessions.

Replace worn or damaged shoes.

Discuss new foot pressure points.

Report pain that changes your stride.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

rest pain is not normal soreness

REST PAIN IS NOT NORMAL SORENESS. TRACK AND FIELD REST PAIN IS NOT NORMAL SORENESS Report pain outside training. Explain when symptoms started. Seek assessment before more loading. Worsening night pain needs medical review. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
Text and source

TRACK AND FIELD

REST PAIN IS NOT NORMAL SORENESS

Report pain outside training.

Explain when symptoms started.

Seek assessment before more loading.

Worsening night pain needs medical review.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

return to running with a plan

RETURN TO RUNNING WITH A PLAN. TRACK AND FIELD RETURN TO RUNNING WITH A PLAN Follow your clinician's progression. Track symptoms as load increases. Tell staff if pain returns. Do not race before medical clearance. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
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TRACK AND FIELD

RETURN TO RUNNING WITH A PLAN

Follow your clinician's progression.

Track symptoms as load increases.

Tell staff if pain returns.

Do not race before medical clearance.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

shin guards before kickoff

SHIN GUARDS BEFORE KICKOFF. SOCCER SHIN GUARDS BEFORE KICKOFF Wear properly fitted shin guards. Check protection before each session. Replace damaged guards with guidance. Report pain after a direct kick. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
Text and source

SOCCER

SHIN GUARDS BEFORE KICKOFF

Wear properly fitted shin guards.

Check protection before each session.

Replace damaged guards with guidance.

Report pain after a direct kick.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

a field walk can prevent a fall

A FIELD WALK CAN PREVENT A FALL. SOCCER A FIELD WALK CAN PREVENT A FALL Look for holes and debris. Tell staff about surface hazards. Wait for unsafe areas to clear. Stop play if the field is unsafe. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
Text and source

SOCCER

A FIELD WALK CAN PREVENT A FALL

Look for holes and debris.

Tell staff about surface hazards.

Wait for unsafe areas to clear.

Stop play if the field is unsafe.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

goalposts are not climbing frames

GOALPOSTS ARE NOT CLIMBING FRAMES. SOCCER GOALPOSTS ARE NOT CLIMBING FRAMES Avoid climbing or hanging on goals. Tell staff about unstable goals. Keep clear until goals are secured. Stop play around unsecured goals. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
Text and source

SOCCER

GOALPOSTS ARE NOT CLIMBING FRAMES

Avoid climbing or hanging on goals.

Tell staff about unstable goals.

Keep clear until goals are secured.

Stop play around unsecured goals.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

dizzy after a header? leave play

DIZZY AFTER A HEADER? LEAVE PLAY. SOCCER DIZZY AFTER A HEADER? LEAVE PLAY Report symptoms after head contact. Stop play for suspected concussion. No same-day return. Return requires healthcare clearance. Source: CDC HEADS UP
Text and source

SOCCER

DIZZY AFTER A HEADER? LEAVE PLAY

Report symptoms after head contact.

Stop play for suspected concussion.

No same-day return.

Return requires healthcare clearance.

Source: CDC HEADS UP

CDC HEADS UP

groin pain during a kick

GROIN PAIN DURING A KICK. SOCCER GROIN PAIN DURING A KICK Stop painful shooting drills. Report pain with cutting. Seek assessment for persistent symptoms. Difficulty walking needs prompt assessment. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
Text and source

SOCCER

GROIN PAIN DURING A KICK

Stop painful shooting drills.

Report pain with cutting.

Seek assessment for persistent symptoms.

Difficulty walking needs prompt assessment.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

cutting should not feel unstable

CUTTING SHOULD NOT FEEL UNSTABLE. SOCCER CUTTING SHOULD NOT FEEL UNSTABLE Report a knee that gives way. Stop painful changes of direction. Get swelling assessed before playing. A locked knee needs prompt care. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
Text and source

SOCCER

CUTTING SHOULD NOT FEEL UNSTABLE

Report a knee that gives way.

Stop painful changes of direction.

Get swelling assessed before playing.

A locked knee needs prompt care.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

goalkeeper landing pain matters

GOALKEEPER LANDING PAIN MATTERS. SOCCER GOALKEEPER LANDING PAIN MATTERS Report wrist pain after a save. Stop painful diving and catching. Avoid repeated painful grip tests. Deformity or numbness needs urgent care. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
Text and source

SOCCER

GOALKEEPER LANDING PAIN MATTERS

Report wrist pain after a save.

Stop painful diving and catching.

Avoid repeated painful grip tests.

Deformity or numbness needs urgent care.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

cleat comfort is a safety check

CLEAT COMFORT IS A SAFETY CHECK. SOCCER CLEAT COMFORT IS A SAFETY CHECK Choose appropriate well-fitting footwear. Check cleats for damage. Report new pressure or slipping. Pain that changes running needs assessment. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
Text and source

SOCCER

CLEAT COMFORT IS A SAFETY CHECK

Choose appropriate well-fitting footwear.

Check cleats for damage.

Report new pressure or slipping.

Pain that changes running needs assessment.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

tournaments add up

TOURNAMENTS ADD UP. SOCCER TOURNAMENTS ADD UP Count training and match minutes. Share all team commitments. Plan recovery with your coaches. Persistent soreness needs a workload review. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
Text and source

SOCCER

TOURNAMENTS ADD UP

Count training and match minutes.

Share all team commitments.

Plan recovery with your coaches.

Persistent soreness needs a workload review.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

warm up before the first sprint

WARM UP BEFORE THE FIRST SPRINT. SOCCER WARM UP BEFORE THE FIRST SPRINT Start with easy movement. Prepare for running and direction changes. Increase effort progressively. Stop if sharp pain develops. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
Text and source

SOCCER

WARM UP BEFORE THE FIRST SPRINT

Start with easy movement.

Prepare for running and direction changes.

Increase effort progressively.

Stop if sharp pain develops.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

do not chase through hamstring pain

DO NOT CHASE THROUGH HAMSTRING PAIN. SOCCER DO NOT CHASE THROUGH HAMSTRING PAIN Stop sprinting when pain starts. Tell your coach or trainer. Avoid another maximal-speed test. Sudden weakness needs professional assessment. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
Text and source

SOCCER

DO NOT CHASE THROUGH HAMSTRING PAIN

Stop sprinting when pain starts.

Tell your coach or trainer.

Avoid another maximal-speed test.

Sudden weakness needs professional assessment.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

ankle giving way? get help

ANKLE GIVING WAY? GET HELP. SOCCER ANKLE GIVING WAY? GET HELP Report repeated ankle rolling. Pause painful cutting drills. Ask about guided balance training. New swelling needs an injury assessment. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
Text and source

SOCCER

ANKLE GIVING WAY? GET HELP

Report repeated ankle rolling.

Pause painful cutting drills.

Ask about guided balance training.

New swelling needs an injury assessment.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

heat can change the match plan

HEAT CAN CHANGE THE MATCH PLAN. SOCCER HEAT CAN CHANGE THE MATCH PLAN Take scheduled cooling breaks. Tell staff when unusually weak. Move to shade when symptoms start. Confusion or collapse: call emergency services; start cooling. Source: CDC
Text and source

SOCCER

HEAT CAN CHANGE THE MATCH PLAN

Take scheduled cooling breaks.

Tell staff when unusually weak.

Move to shade when symptoms start.

Confusion or collapse: call emergency services; start cooling.

Source: CDC

CDC

Additional clinical source

play the ball with control

PLAY THE BALL WITH CONTROL. SOCCER PLAY THE BALL WITH CONTROL Avoid reckless contact. Follow rules and referee guidance. Keep awareness of nearby players. Report injuries after a collision. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
Text and source

SOCCER

PLAY THE BALL WITH CONTROL

Avoid reckless contact.

Follow rules and referee guidance.

Keep awareness of nearby players.

Report injuries after a collision.

Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

AAOS OrthoInfo

catcher anterior knee

CATCHERS NEED KNEE RECOVERY. Report pain behind the kneecap Discuss squat workload with your coach Follow your rehabilitation plan Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Report pain behind the kneecap

Discuss squat workload with your coach

Follow your rehabilitation plan

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

batting helmet

HELMET ON BETWEEN AT-BATS. Wear helmets in the on-deck circle Keep helmets on while running bases Check fit before batting Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Wear helmets in the on-deck circle

Keep helmets on while running bases

Check fit before batting

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

catcher protective equipment

CHECK THE CATCHER'S KIT. Secure mask and throat protection Wear chest and shin guards Check gear before receiving pitches Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Secure mask and throat protection

Wear chest and shin guards

Check gear before receiving pitches

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

base collision

CLEAR THE RUNNER'S PATH. Know your league's obstruction rules Avoid blocking runners without possession Practice safe fielding positions Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Know your league's obstruction rules

Avoid blocking runners without possession

Practice safe fielding positions

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

sliding training

LEARN THE SLIDE FIRST. Practice with qualified coaching Begin drills on a sliding bag Use appropriate breakaway bases Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Practice with qualified coaching

Begin drills on a sliding bag

Use appropriate breakaway bases

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

field hazards

SCAN THE OUTFIELD. Look for holes and loose debris Report hazards before warm-ups Check space near fences Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Look for holes and loose debris

Report hazards before warm-ups

Check space near fences

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

season recovery

REST FROM YEAR-ROUND THROWING. Schedule breaks from baseball Include other physical activities Discuss total workload with coaches Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Schedule breaks from baseball

Include other physical activities

Discuss total workload with coaches

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

preparticipation

PRESEASON CHECK-IN. Complete your sports physical Share previous injuries Discuss symptoms before competition Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Complete your sports physical

Share previous injuries

Discuss symptoms before competition

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

whole-body warmup

WARM THE WHOLE THROWER. Start with easy running Prepare shoulders and hips Progress to controlled practice throws Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Start with easy running

Prepare shoulders and hips

Progress to controlled practice throws

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

face protection

FACE PROTECTION CHECK. Check helmet face-shield attachment Wear properly fitted batting protection Replace damaged protective equipment Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Check helmet face-shield attachment

Wear properly fitted batting protection

Replace damaged protective equipment

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

double base

RESPECT THE DOUBLE BASE. Learn your league's base-running rules Use the correct first-base portion Practice routes with your coach Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Learn your league's base-running rules

Use the correct first-base portion

Practice routes with your coach

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

infield surface

CHECK THE INFIELD. Look for divots before practice Remove loose debris safely Report unsafe playing surfaces Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Look for divots before practice

Remove loose debris safely

Report unsafe playing surfaces

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

catcher knee pain

KNEE PAIN BEHIND THE PLATE. Report pain during catcher squats Avoid pushing through painful repetitions Ask about modifying your workload Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Report pain during catcher squats

Avoid pushing through painful repetitions

Ask about modifying your workload

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

slide preparation

SLIDE WITH INSTRUCTION. Learn technique before game situations Practice on an appropriate sliding surface Check bases with your coach Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Learn technique before game situations

Practice on an appropriate sliding surface

Check bases with your coach

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

batter protection

GUARD THE PITCH-FACING SIDE. Discuss batter elbow and shin protection Check fit before stepping in Use equipment correctly Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Discuss batter elbow and shin protection

Check fit before stepping in

Use equipment correctly

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

collision prevention

KEEP BASE PATHS CLEAR. Follow obstruction rules Avoid standing in a runner's path Practice safe receiving positions Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Follow obstruction rules

Avoid standing in a runner's path

Practice safe receiving positions

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

overuse recovery

MAKE ROOM FOR RECOVERY. Coordinate schedules across teams Include breaks from softball Vary your physical activities Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Coordinate schedules across teams

Include breaks from softball

Vary your physical activities

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

pitching warmup

WARM UP BEFORE WINDMILLS. Begin with gentle whole-body movement Prepare shoulders and trunk Increase throwing effort gradually Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Begin with gentle whole-body movement

Prepare shoulders and trunk

Increase throwing effort gradually

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

return to throwing

RETURN WITH A PLAN. Follow your clinician's rehabilitation guidance Rebuild throwing volume gradually Report renewed pain or swelling Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Follow your clinician's rehabilitation guidance

Rebuild throwing volume gradually

Report renewed pain or swelling

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

catcher gear

CATCHER PROTECTION EVERY INNING. Use a proper catcher's mitt Secure helmet, mask and throat guard Wear chest protector and shin guards Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Use a proper catcher's mitt

Secure helmet, mask and throat guard

Wear chest protector and shin guards

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

finger injury

A JAMMED FINGER NEEDS ATTENTION. Stop if the finger looks crooked Avoid pulling it straight yourself Get prompt medical assessment Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Stop if the finger looks crooked

Avoid pulling it straight yourself

Get prompt medical assessment

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

knee protection

KNEE PADS BEFORE FLOOR CONTACT. Choose well-fitting knee pads Check padding for damage Wear them for dives and falls Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Choose well-fitting knee pads

Check padding for damage

Wear them for dives and falls

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

floor burns

PROTECT SKIN ON DEFENSE. Consider padded defensive clothing Cover vulnerable areas during floor drills Report painful abrasions Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Consider padded defensive clothing

Cover vulnerable areas during floor drills

Report painful abrasions

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

overhead clearance

LOOK ABOVE THE COURT. Check overhead obstructions Report low fixtures or equipment Use a clear playing space Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Check overhead obstructions

Report low fixtures or equipment

Use a clear playing space

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

sand hazards

BEACH COURT SAFETY SCAN. Check sand for sharp objects Report glass and hidden hazards Use a safe cleared playing area Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Check sand for sharp objects

Report glass and hidden hazards

Use a safe cleared playing area

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

preseason conditioning

BUILD YOUR PRESEASON BASE. Combine strength and aerobic training Include comfortable mobility work Increase activity gradually Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Combine strength and aerobic training

Include comfortable mobility work

Increase activity gradually

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

overuse scheduling

PLAN BREAKS FROM OVERHEAD WORK. Discuss schedules across teams Include breaks from volleyball Vary training throughout the year Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Discuss schedules across teams

Include breaks from volleyball

Vary training throughout the year

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

footwear

COURT SHOES SUPPORT THE RALLY. Choose supportive volleyball shoes Check cushioning and traction Replace worn-out footwear Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Choose supportive volleyball shoes

Check cushioning and traction

Replace worn-out footwear

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

ankle support

DISCUSS ANKLE SUPPORT. Ask about support after ankle injuries Choose properly fitting equipment Keep rehabilitation part of your plan Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Ask about support after ankle injuries

Choose properly fitting equipment

Keep rehabilitation part of your plan

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

return after joint injury

RECOVERY BEFORE THE NEXT MATCH. Report lingering joint swelling Restore movement and strength with guidance Follow your clinician's return plan Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Report lingering joint swelling

Restore movement and strength with guidance

Follow your clinician's return plan

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

sun safety

OUTDOOR RALLIES NEED SUN PROTECTION. Use sunscreen as directed Wear appropriate sun-protective clothing Plan breaks in shaded areas Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Use sunscreen as directed

Wear appropriate sun-protective clothing

Plan breaks in shaded areas

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

serve back safety

SERVE WITHOUT FORCING YOUR BACK. Avoid excessive back arching Use coached serving technique Stop serves that provoke pain Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Avoid excessive back arching

Use coached serving technique

Stop serves that provoke pain

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

landing control

LAND READY AFTER THE SERVE. Practice balanced movement with coaching Build leg strength gradually Report pain during landing Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Practice balanced movement with coaching

Build leg strength gradually

Report pain during landing

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

lateral footwear

COURT SHOES FOR SIDEWAYS MOVES. Choose tennis-specific support Check worn tread before matches Replace unstable footwear Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Choose tennis-specific support

Check worn tread before matches

Replace unstable footwear

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

calf strain

DON'T IGNORE CALF PAIN. Stop after sudden calf pain Avoid pushing through painful push-offs Get assessed before resuming play Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Stop after sudden calf pain

Avoid pushing through painful push-offs

Get assessed before resuming play

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

shoulder load

SHOULDER PAIN ON THE SERVE. Stop painful overhead strokes Discuss serving volume with your coach Seek care for recurring symptoms Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Stop painful overhead strokes

Discuss serving volume with your coach

Seek care for recurring symptoms

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

training load

BUILD MATCH FITNESS GRADUALLY. Start with manageable sessions Increase practice demands gradually Include recovery between hard efforts Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Start with manageable sessions

Increase practice demands gradually

Include recovery between hard efforts

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

whole body warmup

WARM UP BEYOND YOUR ARM. Begin with light movement Prepare legs, trunk and shoulders Build toward controlled practice strokes Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Begin with light movement

Prepare legs, trunk and shoulders

Build toward controlled practice strokes

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

overuse prevention

RECOVERY IS PART OF TRAINING. Vary your physical activities Avoid year-round repetitive overload Discuss fatigue with your coach Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Vary your physical activities

Avoid year-round repetitive overload

Discuss fatigue with your coach

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

injury recovery

RETURN THROUGH REHABILITATION. Follow your clinician's return plan Rebuild movement and strength Report pain when strokes resume Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.
Text and source

Follow your clinician's return plan

Rebuild movement and strength

Report pain when strokes resume

Stop for pain. Tell your coach or trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Skin infection warning signs

CHECK THAT NEW SORE. Warm, swollen skin needs attention. Do not squeeze draining sores. Get prompt care before close contact. Stop and report skin changes immediately.
Text and source

Warm, swollen skin needs attention.

Do not squeeze draining sores.

Get prompt care before close contact.

Stop and report skin changes immediately.

CDC

Wound covering for mat practice

SKIN INFECTION? GET CHECKED. Report suspicious skin sores or drainage. Covering an active infection does not make contact sport safe. Get clinical assessment and follow participation rules. Do not share towels or personal equipment.
Text and source

Report suspicious skin sores or drainage.

Covering an active infection does not make contact sport safe.

Get clinical assessment and follow participation rules.

Do not share towels or personal equipment.

CDC

Additional clinical source

Personal item hygiene

YOUR TOWEL. YOUR GEAR.. Keep towels and razors personal. Wash practice clothing after use. Dry gear following care labels. Report suspected infection to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Keep towels and razors personal.

Wash practice clothing after use.

Dry gear following care labels.

Report suspected infection to your athletic trainer.

CDC

Post-match hygiene

SHOWER AFTER THE MAT. Wash hands after shared equipment. Shower after wrestling practice. Avoid sharing bar soap. Report painful, spreading skin redness promptly.
Text and source

Wash hands after shared equipment.

Shower after wrestling practice.

Avoid sharing bar soap.

Report painful, spreading skin redness promptly.

CDC

Kneecap pressure management

PAD THE CONTACT KNEE. Use fitted protective knee pads. Reduce repeated pressure on sore knees. Swelling over your kneecap needs assessment. Stop and report a swollen, painful knee.
Text and source

Use fitted protective knee pads.

Reduce repeated pressure on sore knees.

Swelling over your kneecap needs assessment.

Stop and report a swollen, painful knee.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Finger flexor warning after gripping

GRIP FAILURE AFTER A SCRAMBLE?. A finger that won't bend needs assessment. Stop gripping and protect the hand. Do not force the finger straight. Report lost finger movement promptly.
Text and source

A finger that won't bend needs assessment.

Stop gripping and protect the hand.

Do not force the finger straight.

Report lost finger movement promptly.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Ear injury early reporting

NEW EAR SWELLING?. Check ear protection for a secure fit. Painful ear swelling needs prompt assessment. Do not drain an injured ear yourself. Stop contact and tell your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Check ear protection for a secure fit.

Painful ear swelling needs prompt assessment.

Do not drain an injured ear yourself.

Stop contact and tell your athletic trainer.

AOSSM

Wrestling shoulder instability recognition

SHOULDER SLIPPING ON THE MAT?. A slipping shoulder needs medical assessment. Stop painful holds and weight-bearing drills. Follow your prescribed rehabilitation plan. Stop wrestling when the shoulder gives way.
Text and source

A slipping shoulder needs medical assessment.

Stop painful holds and weight-bearing drills.

Follow your prescribed rehabilitation plan.

Stop wrestling when the shoulder gives way.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Wrestling dangerous neck symptoms

NECK SYMPTOMS AFTER CONTACT. Stop after neck pain with tingling. Weakness after contact needs urgent help. Keep still; let trained responders assess. Suspected spine injury? Call emergency services.
Text and source

Stop after neck pain with tingling.

Weakness after contact needs urgent help.

Keep still; let trained responders assess.

Suspected spine injury? Call emergency services.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Wrestling recurring knee symptoms

KNEE CATCHING IN YOUR STANCE?. Catching or swelling deserves an assessment. Avoid forcing a painful deep stance. Share when symptoms began. Stop wrestling if your knee locks.
Text and source

Catching or swelling deserves an assessment.

Avoid forcing a painful deep stance.

Share when symptoms began.

Stop wrestling if your knee locks.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Wrestling recovery after injury

RETURN TO LIVE WRESTLING GRADUALLY. Follow your clinician's return plan. Restore movement and strength before contact. Report symptoms during progressive wrestling drills. Stop drills when injury symptoms return.
Text and source

Follow your clinician's return plan.

Restore movement and strength before contact.

Report symptoms during progressive wrestling drills.

Stop drills when injury symptoms return.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Wrestling overuse load planning

COUNT EVERY PRACTICE. Tell coaches about all wrestling sessions. Build recovery into your training week. Discuss persistent aches before adding sessions. Report pain that changes your wrestling.
Text and source

Tell coaches about all wrestling sessions.

Build recovery into your training week.

Discuss persistent aches before adding sessions.

Report pain that changes your wrestling.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Wrestling controlled technique progression

DRILL CONTROL BEFORE SPEED. Learn technique with qualified coaching. Match practice intensity to skill level. Use protective gear during supervised practice. Stop when a drill feels unsafe.
Text and source

Learn technique with qualified coaching.

Match practice intensity to skill level.

Use protective gear during supervised practice.

Stop when a drill feels unsafe.

AOSSM

Swimmer shoulder conditioning

BUILD SUPPORT FOR EVERY STROKE. Strengthen shoulders and upper back. Use a supervised conditioning plan. Report pain during overhead work. Stop painful training and tell your coach.
Text and source

Strengthen shoulders and upper back.

Use a supervised conditioning plan.

Report pain during overhead work.

Stop painful training and tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Swimming painful repetitive strokes

SHOULDER PAIN CHANGES THE SET. Repeated strokes can overload shoulder tissues. Tell your coach which strokes hurt. Get persistent pain assessed before more volume. Stop strokes that trigger shoulder pain.
Text and source

Repeated strokes can overload shoulder tissues.

Tell your coach which strokes hurt.

Get persistent pain assessed before more volume.

Stop strokes that trigger shoulder pain.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Swimmer shoulder slipping warning

A LOOSE SHOULDER NEEDS A PLAN. Report slipping or giving-way sensations. Avoid movements that provoke instability. Follow prescribed shoulder rehabilitation. Stop swimming when your shoulder gives way.
Text and source

Report slipping or giving-way sensations.

Avoid movements that provoke instability.

Follow prescribed shoulder rehabilitation.

Stop swimming when your shoulder gives way.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Diving zone verification

CHECK THE DIVE ZONE FIRST. Use only designated diving areas. Verify clear water and approved depth. Follow facility rules and coach supervision. Stop if diving conditions are uncertain.
Text and source

Use only designated diving areas.

Verify clear water and approved depth.

Follow facility rules and coach supervision.

Stop if diving conditions are uncertain.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Springboard waiting safety

ONE DIVER ON THE BOARD. Wait until the board is clear. Keep the landing area clear. Move away after entering the water. Report unsafe board or pool conditions.
Text and source

Wait until the board is clear.

Keep the landing area clear.

Move away after entering the water.

Report unsafe board or pool conditions.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Swim training illness response

FEVER? PAUSE HARD SWIMMING. Tell your coach when you feel ill. Avoid vigorous swimming with fever. Ask about returning after an infection. Stop and report worsening illness symptoms.
Text and source

Tell your coach when you feel ill.

Avoid vigorous swimming with fever.

Ask about returning after an infection.

Stop and report worsening illness symptoms.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Water fatigue risk

TOO TIRED FOR THE NEXT LAP?. Fatigue can undermine water safety. Exit safely when unusually exhausted. Tell your coach before continuing. Stop swimming if you feel unwell.
Text and source

Fatigue can undermine water safety.

Exit safely when unusually exhausted.

Tell your coach before continuing.

Stop swimming if you feel unwell.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Breath holding blackout prevention

SKIP UNDERWATER BREATH CONTESTS. Do not hyperventilate before going underwater. Avoid prolonged underwater breath-holding. Practice breathing skills with qualified supervision. Stop and report dizziness immediately.
Text and source

Do not hyperventilate before going underwater.

Avoid prolonged underwater breath-holding.

Practice breathing skills with qualified supervision.

Stop and report dizziness immediately.

CDC

Open water hazard assessment

POOL FITNESS IS NOT OPEN-WATER SAFETY. For natural-water activities, children and teens should wear a properly fitted, approved life jacket. Use close supervision and a buddy. Swimming ability does not replace these precautions. Inflatable toys are not life jackets.
Text and source

For natural-water activities, children and teens should wear a properly fitted, approved life jacket.

Use close supervision and a buddy.

Swimming ability does not replace these precautions.

Inflatable toys are not life jackets.

CDC

Additional clinical source

Medication water safety

CHECK MEDICINES BEFORE SWIMMING. Some medicines impair balance and judgment. Ask your clinician about water safety. Avoid swimming when medication makes you drowsy. Report dizziness or unusual sleepiness.
Text and source

Some medicines impair balance and judgment.

Ask your clinician about water safety.

Avoid swimming when medication makes you drowsy.

Report dizziness or unusual sleepiness.

CDC

Seizure condition swim planning

PLAN SUPERVISION BEFORE THE POOL. Discuss seizure-related risks with your clinician. Arrange one-to-one supervision around water. Share your emergency plan with the supervisor. Report symptoms before entering the water.
Text and source

Discuss seizure-related risks with your clinician.

Arrange one-to-one supervision around water.

Share your emergency plan with the supervisor.

Report symptoms before entering the water.

CDC

Swimmer ear prevention

LET YOUR EARS DRY SAFELY. Dry outer ears after swimming. Tilt your head to drain water. Keep objects out of ear canals. Report ear pain, drainage or reduced hearing.
Text and source

Dry outer ears after swimming.

Tilt your head to drain water.

Keep objects out of ear canals.

Report ear pain, drainage or reduced hearing.

CDC

Swimming wound and infection precautions

OPEN WOUND? CHECK BEFORE SWIMMING. Keep infected wounds out of shared water. Follow your clinician's wound-care advice. Ask when pool use is safe again. Report suspected skin infection promptly.
Text and source

Keep infected wounds out of shared water.

Follow your clinician's wound-care advice.

Ask when pool use is safe again.

Report suspected skin infection promptly.

CDC

Swimming concussion after wall impact

HEAD HIT AT THE WALL?. Report headache, confusion or dizziness. Leave practice after suspected concussion. Medical clearance guides your return. Stop swimming; no same-day concussion return.
Text and source

Report headache, confusion or dizziness.

Leave practice after suspected concussion.

Medical clearance guides your return.

Stop swimming; no same-day concussion return.

CDC HEADS UP

Cross-country focal foot pain

ONE SORE SPOT AFTER MILES?. Localized foot pain can signal bone stress. Pause impact training while seeking assessment. Do not test pain with extra running. Stop running with persistent focal pain.
Text and source

Localized foot pain can signal bone stress.

Pause impact training while seeking assessment.

Do not test pain with extra running.

Stop running with persistent focal pain.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Cross-country surface transitions

NEW SURFACE. NEW LOAD.. Introduce unfamiliar running surfaces gradually. Tell your coach about route changes. Watch for new foot or shin pain. Report pain that builds with each run.
Text and source

Introduce unfamiliar running surfaces gradually.

Tell your coach about route changes.

Watch for new foot or shin pain.

Report pain that builds with each run.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Cross-country return after bone stress

LET HEALING GUIDE YOUR MILES. Follow your clinician's loading restrictions. Resume running only when medically cleared. Build frequency, duration and speed gradually. Stop if bone pain returns.
Text and source

Follow your clinician's loading restrictions.

Resume running only when medically cleared.

Build frequency, duration and speed gradually.

Stop if bone pain returns.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Cross-country shin pain management

SHINS SORE AFTER HILL WORK?. Abrupt intensity changes can overload shins. Pause running that provokes symptoms. Get persistent shin pain assessed. Stop when shin pain alters your stride.
Text and source

Abrupt intensity changes can overload shins.

Pause running that provokes symptoms.

Get persistent shin pain assessed.

Stop when shin pain alters your stride.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Cross-country lower impact conditioning

GIVE IMPACT A BREAK. Discuss lower-impact sessions with your coach. Vary activities to reduce repetitive loading. Keep recovery workouts within your care plan. Report pain during cross-training.
Text and source

Discuss lower-impact sessions with your coach.

Vary activities to reduce repetitive loading.

Keep recovery workouts within your care plan.

Report pain during cross-training.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Cross-country shoe fitting

FIT BOTH FEET FOR THE COURSE. Try shoes with your running socks. Allow toe room and a secure heel. Replace shoes when support wears down. Report shoe pain before it changes stride.
Text and source

Try shoes with your running socks.

Allow toe room and a secure heel.

Replace shoes when support wears down.

Report shoe pain before it changes stride.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Cross-country heat scheduling

MOVE THE RUN OUT OF PEAK HEAT. Check heat conditions before practice. Choose cooler times when possible. Plan shade, breaks and fluid access. Stop and report heat symptoms.
Text and source

Check heat conditions before practice.

Choose cooler times when possible.

Plan shade, breaks and fluid access.

Stop and report heat symptoms.

CDC

Cross-country heat symptom reporting

DIZZY ON THE COURSE? STOP. Tell someone about dizziness or nausea. Stop running and move somewhere cool. Get help if symptoms persist or worsen. Collapse or confusion? Call emergency services; start cooling.
Text and source

Tell someone about dizziness or nausea.

Stop running and move somewhere cool.

Get help if symptoms persist or worsen.

Collapse or confusion? Call emergency services; start cooling.

CDC

Additional clinical source

Cross-country air quality planning

CHECK AIR BEFORE HARD MILES. Review local air-quality conditions. Adjust outdoor training when pollution is high. Follow your asthma or breathing-care plan. Stop and report unusual breathing difficulty.
Text and source

Review local air-quality conditions.

Adjust outdoor training when pollution is high.

Follow your asthma or breathing-care plan.

Stop and report unusual breathing difficulty.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Cross-country buddy and route plan

SHARE YOUR ROUTE BEFORE YOU RUN. Run with a partner when possible. Tell someone your planned route. Carry identification and a way to call. Stop and seek help when unsafe.
Text and source

Run with a partner when possible.

Tell someone your planned route.

Carry identification and a way to call.

Stop and seek help when unsafe.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Cross-country visibility near roads

BE SEEN AT DAWN OR DUSK. Wear reflective running gear. Choose familiar routes away from traffic. Stay aware of your surroundings. Stop when visibility makes running unsafe.
Text and source

Wear reflective running gear.

Choose familiar routes away from traffic.

Stay aware of your surroundings.

Stop when visibility makes running unsafe.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Cross-country cold weather preparation

LAYER FOR COLD RUNS. Choose layers suited to the weather. Cover exposed hands, ears and neck. Change plans when conditions become unsafe. Report numbness or uncontrolled shivering.
Text and source

Choose layers suited to the weather.

Cover exposed hands, ears and neck.

Change plans when conditions become unsafe.

Report numbness or uncontrolled shivering.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Cross-country terrain hazards

SCAN THE NEXT STRETCH. Look ahead for holes and loose footing. Slow down on uncertain ground. Tell teammates about course hazards. Stop after a painful twist or fall.
Text and source

Look ahead for holes and loose footing.

Slow down on uncertain ground.

Tell teammates about course hazards.

Stop after a painful twist or fall.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Cross-country return of shin symptoms

SHIN PAIN BACK? ADJUST THE RUN. Stop the run when familiar pain returns. Discuss lower intensity and more recovery. Build back under your clinician's guidance. Report recurring pain before the next workout.
Text and source

Stop the run when familiar pain returns.

Discuss lower intensity and more recovery.

Build back under your clinician's guidance.

Report recurring pain before the next workout.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Gymnast wrist pain and growth plates

WRISTS HURT IN SUPPORT?. Repeated hand loading can stress growing wrists. Pause painful weight-bearing skills. Get persistent wrist pain assessed. Stop tumbling through wrist pain.
Text and source

Repeated hand loading can stress growing wrists.

Pause painful weight-bearing skills.

Get persistent wrist pain assessed.

Stop tumbling through wrist pain.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Gymnast elbow catching warning

ELBOW CATCHING ON THE BARS?. Report elbow catching, swelling or pain. Do not force a stuck elbow. Pause painful skills until assessed. Stop bar work with new elbow symptoms.
Text and source

Report elbow catching, swelling or pain.

Do not force a stuck elbow.

Pause painful skills until assessed.

Stop bar work with new elbow symptoms.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Gymnast back extension pain

BACK PAIN WITH ARCHING?. Repeated extension can stress the lower back. Avoid skills that reproduce back pain. Persistent pain needs medical assessment. Stop painful back-bending drills.
Text and source

Repeated extension can stress the lower back.

Avoid skills that reproduce back pain.

Persistent pain needs medical assessment.

Stop painful back-bending drills.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Gymnast apparatus mat inspection

CHECK EVERY LANDING MAT. Look for gaps and unsecured mats. Confirm mats cover the landing area. Ask staff to fix unsafe setups. Stop practice until the landing zone is safe.
Text and source

Look for gaps and unsecured mats.

Confirm mats cover the landing area.

Ask staff to fix unsafe setups.

Stop practice until the landing zone is safe.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Gymnast new skill readiness

NEW SKILL? GET YOUR COACH. Confirm strength and skill prerequisites. Use the coach's learning progression. Ask about spotting and training aids. Stop if you are not ready.
Text and source

Confirm strength and skill prerequisites.

Use the coach's learning progression.

Ask about spotting and training aids.

Stop if you are not ready.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Gymnast practice spotting

SPOTTING IS PART OF PRACTICE. Use trained supervision for challenging skills. Confirm the spotting plan before starting. Wait until your coach is ready. Stop when safe supervision is unavailable.
Text and source

Use trained supervision for challenging skills.

Confirm the spotting plan before starting.

Wait until your coach is ready.

Stop when safe supervision is unavailable.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Gymnast hand skin care

REPORT HAND RIPS EARLY. Inspect palms after bar training. Use properly fitted grips when appropriate. Tell your coach about torn skin. Stop when hand pain compromises your grip.
Text and source

Inspect palms after bar training.

Use properly fitted grips when appropriate.

Tell your coach about torn skin.

Stop when hand pain compromises your grip.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Gymnast clothing and spotting safety

DRESS FOR SAFE SPOTTING. Wear fitted gymnastics practice clothing. Avoid loose fabric around apparatus. Check gear before each event. Report clothing or equipment hazards.
Text and source

Wear fitted gymnastics practice clothing.

Avoid loose fabric around apparatus.

Check gear before each event.

Report clothing or equipment hazards.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Gymnast warmup joint preparation

WARM UP BEFORE THE FIRST SKILL. Raise body temperature with easy movement. Prepare wrists, shoulders, hips and ankles. Use gentle stretches after warming up. Stop stretching if it causes pain.
Text and source

Raise body temperature with easy movement.

Prepare wrists, shoulders, hips and ankles.

Use gentle stretches after warming up.

Stop stretching if it causes pain.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Gymnast growth plate warning signs

GROWING BONES NEED PAIN REPORTS. Swelling near a joint needs attention. Pain after a fall may involve bone. Avoid further loading until assessed. Report persistent joint pain promptly.
Text and source

Swelling near a joint needs attention.

Pain after a fall may involve bone.

Avoid further loading until assessed.

Report persistent joint pain promptly.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Gymnast fatigue and overuse

MORE ROUTINES NEED MORE RECOVERY. Count club and extra practice together. Build rest into your training plan. Tell coaches about ongoing soreness. Stop adding work when pain persists.
Text and source

Count club and extra practice together.

Build rest into your training plan.

Tell coaches about ongoing soreness.

Stop adding work when pain persists.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Gymnast return after joint injury

REBUILD BEFORE FULL ROUTINES. Restore joint movement and strength. Follow medical clearance and skill progressions. Report pain or swelling during the build-up. Stop if injury symptoms return.
Text and source

Restore joint movement and strength.

Follow medical clearance and skill progressions.

Report pain or swelling during the build-up.

Stop if injury symptoms return.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Gymnast head injury recognition

HEAD HIT? END THE ROUTINE. Report dizziness, headache or confusion. Get assessed after a suspected concussion. Medical clearance guides return to skills. Stop gymnastics; no same-day concussion return.
Text and source

Report dizziness, headache or confusion.

Get assessed after a suspected concussion.

Medical clearance guides return to skills.

Stop gymnastics; no same-day concussion return.

CDC HEADS UP

Gymnast hydration between apparatus rotations

TAKE WATER BREAKS BETWEEN EVENTS. Keep fluids accessible during practice. Use planned breaks between apparatus rotations. Tell your coach about unusual fatigue. Stop and report dizziness or weakness.
Text and source

Keep fluids accessible during practice.

Use planned breaks between apparatus rotations.

Tell your coach about unusual fatigue.

Stop and report dizziness or weakness.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Gymnast bone stress in feet

LANDING PAIN DESERVES A CHECK. Localized foot pain may signal bone stress. Pause landings that reproduce the pain. Ask a clinician about safe activity. Stop impact skills with persistent foot pain.
Text and source

Localized foot pain may signal bone stress.

Pause landings that reproduce the pain.

Ask a clinician about safe activity.

Stop impact skills with persistent foot pain.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Jump landing mechanics

LAND WITH CONTROL. Practice low jumps before complex skills Land with hips and knees bending Keep landing space clear Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Practice low jumps before complex skills

Land with hips and knees bending

Keep landing space clear

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Wrist loading warning

WRIST PAIN IS A SIGNAL. Stop tumbling when wrists hurt Report swelling or lost motion Resume loading with professional guidance Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Stop tumbling when wrists hurt

Report swelling or lost motion

Resume loading with professional guidance

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Fatigue and stunt safety

RESET BEFORE THE NEXT STUNT. Tell your coach when fatigue builds Pause before technique breaks down Rehearse again only when ready Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Tell your coach when fatigue builds

Pause before technique breaks down

Rehearse again only when ready

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

USA Cheer

Mat surface safety

CHECK THE MAT FIRST. Inspect seams and damaged padding Clear bags from practice space Report unsafe surfaces before starting Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Inspect seams and damaged padding

Clear bags from practice space

Report unsafe surfaces before starting

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

USA Cheer

Spotter preparation

SPOTTERS NEED A PLAN. Use trained, attentive spotters Review roles before each skill Practice under qualified supervision Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Use trained, attentive spotters

Review roles before each skill

Practice under qualified supervision

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

USA Cheer

Acute ankle injury

ANKLE SWELLING? STEP OUT. Stop jumps after an ankle injury Report swelling or trouble walking Get assessed before more impact Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Stop jumps after an ankle injury

Report swelling or trouble walking

Get assessed before more impact

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Ankle rehabilitation

REBUILD ANKLE CONFIDENCE. Follow your prescribed rehabilitation plan Restore balance before harder skills Report repeated giving way Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Follow your prescribed rehabilitation plan

Restore balance before harder skills

Report repeated giving way

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Back extension pain

BACK PAIN NEEDS ATTENTION. Stop painful backbends and tumbling Tell your athletic trainer promptly Avoid forcing flexibility through pain Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Stop painful backbends and tumbling

Tell your athletic trainer promptly

Avoid forcing flexibility through pain

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Base shoulder overload

SHOULDER PAIN WHILE BASING?. Report pain when lifting teammates Avoid painful overhead loading Rebuild strength with professional guidance Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Report pain when lifting teammates

Avoid painful overhead loading

Rebuild strength with professional guidance

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Stress injury warning

BONE PAIN IS NOT ROUTINE. Report localized foot or shin pain Stop repeated painful landings Avoid sudden increases in impact Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Report localized foot or shin pain

Stop repeated painful landings

Avoid sudden increases in impact

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Training load management

BUILD STUNT LOAD GRADUALLY. Increase practice demands gradually Include recovery between hard sessions Report pain that keeps returning Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Increase practice demands gradually

Include recovery between hard sessions

Report pain that keeps returning

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Safe flexibility practice

FLEXIBILITY WITHOUT FORCE. Warm up before flexibility work Use controlled comfortable movements Never force a painful stretch Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Warm up before flexibility work

Use controlled comfortable movements

Never force a painful stretch

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Knee symptom reporting

KNEE PAIN AFTER JUMPS?. Report pain that changes your landing Reduce painful jumping Get guidance before harder routines Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Report pain that changes your landing

Reduce painful jumping

Get guidance before harder routines

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Post-injury return to cheer

RETURN BY READINESS. Follow your clinician's return plan Rebuild basic skills before complex routines Report symptoms during progression Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Follow your clinician's return plan

Rebuild basic skills before complex routines

Report symptoms during progression

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Goalkeeper chest protection

PROTECT THE GOALIE'S CHEST. Wear current compliant chest protection Check fit before taking shots Replace damaged protective gear Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Wear current compliant chest protection

Check fit before taking shots

Replace damaged protective gear

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

USA Lacrosse

Women's lacrosse eye safety

EYE PROTECTION EVERY PRACTICE. Wear required certified protective eyewear Check straps and lenses for damage Use equipment for your game Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Wear required certified protective eyewear

Check straps and lenses for damage

Use equipment for your game

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

USA Lacrosse

Lacrosse dental protection

MOUTHGUARD BEFORE THE WHISTLE. Wear your required mouthguard Check fit before drills begin Replace damaged mouthguards Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Wear your required mouthguard

Check fit before drills begin

Replace damaged mouthguards

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

USA Lacrosse

Men's lacrosse helmet fit

HELMET FIT IS PERSONAL. Use a properly fitted certified helmet Fasten the chin strap correctly Report loose or damaged parts Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Use a properly fitted certified helmet

Fasten the chin strap correctly

Report loose or damaged parts

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

USA Lacrosse

Lacrosse change of direction

CUT WITH CONTROL. Practice controlled deceleration Build cutting speed gradually Keep knees aligned during landing Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Practice controlled deceleration

Build cutting speed gradually

Keep knees aligned during landing

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Lacrosse shoulder overload

SHOULDER SORE FROM SHOOTING?. Report pain during passing or shooting Reduce painful repetitions Build strength with qualified guidance Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Report pain during passing or shooting

Reduce painful repetitions

Build strength with qualified guidance

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Lacrosse hand injury

THUMB HIT? REPORT IT. Stop play after painful hand impact Report swelling or lost grip Get assessed before returning Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Stop play after painful hand impact

Report swelling or lost grip

Get assessed before returning

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Lacrosse ankle sprain

ANKLE ROLLED ON A CUT?. Stop if walking or cutting hurts Report swelling and instability Seek evaluation before more play Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Stop if walking or cutting hurts

Report swelling and instability

Seek evaluation before more play

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Goalkeeper equipment readiness

CLEAR THE CREASE SAFELY. Use a helmet and throat protector Wear padded gloves and required protection Check gear before every session Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Use a helmet and throat protector

Wear padded gloves and required protection

Check gear before every session

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

USA Lacrosse

Lacrosse surface inspection

CHECK THE FIELD BEFORE CUTTING. Look for holes and loose debris Report slick or uneven areas Keep sidelines clear of equipment Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Look for holes and loose debris

Report slick or uneven areas

Keep sidelines clear of equipment

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Lacrosse contact safety

RESPECT YOUR GAME'S CONTACT RULES. Know rules for your competition Avoid dangerous stick contact Report unsafe play to officials Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Know rules for your competition

Avoid dangerous stick contact

Report unsafe play to officials

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

USA Lacrosse

Lacrosse stress injury prevention

BUILD RUNNING LOAD STEADILY. Increase conditioning gradually Mix demanding days with recovery Report focal shin or foot pain Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Increase conditioning gradually

Mix demanding days with recovery

Report focal shin or foot pain

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Lacrosse groin strain

GROIN PAIN DURING DODGES?. Stop painful cutting and sprinting Report groin pain early Avoid forcing a painful stretch Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Stop painful cutting and sprinting

Report groin pain early

Avoid forcing a painful stretch

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Lacrosse return to play

REHAB BEFORE FULL CONTACT. Follow your clinician's progression Restore strength and sport skills Report symptoms during practice Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Follow your clinician's progression

Restore strength and sport skills

Report symptoms during practice

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Hockey neck laceration protection

NECK PROTECTION ON THE ICE. Wear required neck laceration protection Check coverage and secure fit Replace damaged protective gear Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Wear required neck laceration protection

Check coverage and secure fit

Replace damaged protective gear

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

USA Hockey

Hockey board collision prevention

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP. Stay aware near the boards Never check from behind Follow contact rules for your level Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Stay aware near the boards

Never check from behind

Follow contact rules for your level

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Hockey groin strain

GROIN STRAIN? STOP SKATING. Report pain during push-off Stop painful skating drills Rebuild gradually with professional guidance Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Report pain during push-off

Stop painful skating drills

Rebuild gradually with professional guidance

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Hockey skate pressure safety

SKATE FIT MATTERS. Choose skates that fit correctly Check for painful pressure spots Report numbness or persistent foot pain Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Choose skates that fit correctly

Check for painful pressure spots

Report numbness or persistent foot pain

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Hockey facial protection

FACE PROTECTION STAYS ON. Use required helmet and face protection Fasten straps before stepping on ice Replace cracked or damaged components Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Use required helmet and face protection

Fasten straps before stepping on ice

Replace cracked or damaged components

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Hockey shoulder injury

SHOULDER PAIN AFTER CONTACT?. Stop after a painful shoulder impact Report weakness or changed shoulder shape Do not force the shoulder back Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Stop after a painful shoulder impact

Report weakness or changed shoulder shape

Do not force the shoulder back

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Hockey overuse prevention

SKATING NEEDS RECOVERY. Build skating volume gradually Plan rest between demanding sessions Report pain that keeps returning Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Build skating volume gradually

Plan rest between demanding sessions

Report pain that keeps returning

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Hockey knee injury warning

KNEE TWIST? STEP OFF. Stop after a painful knee twist Report swelling or giving way Get assessed before another shift Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Stop after a painful knee twist

Report swelling or giving way

Get assessed before another shift

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Hockey glove safety

PROTECT HANDS FROM IMPACT. Wear well-fitting protective gloves Inspect padding and worn areas Report painful swelling after impact Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Wear well-fitting protective gloves

Inspect padding and worn areas

Report painful swelling after impact

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Hockey warm-up progression

WARM UP BEFORE HARD STRIDES. Start with easy controlled movement Gradually add skating speed Avoid forcing cold muscles Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Start with easy controlled movement

Gradually add skating speed

Avoid forcing cold muscles

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Hockey dryland stress injury

SHIN PAIN OFF THE ICE?. Build running drills gradually Report localized shin pain Stop impact that worsens symptoms Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Build running drills gradually

Report localized shin pain

Stop impact that worsens symptoms

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Hockey recovery progression

RETURN THROUGH SKILL PROGRESSION. Follow your clinician's return plan Build skating before demanding contact Report symptoms as intensity rises Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Follow your clinician's return plan

Build skating before demanding contact

Report symptoms as intensity rises

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Hockey spinal injury prevention

NO CHECKING FROM BEHIND. Respect players near the boards Keep illegal contact out of practice Report dangerous checking immediately Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Respect players near the boards

Keep illegal contact out of practice

Report dangerous checking immediately

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Hockey emergency neck response

SUSPECTED NECK INJURY: GET HELP. Suspected neck injury: call 911 Keep still unless needed for immediate safety Alert trained responders; stop play Activate your team's emergency action plan.
Text and source

Suspected neck injury: call 911

Keep still unless needed for immediate safety

Alert trained responders; stop play

Activate your team's emergency action plan.

NATA

Golfer's elbow warning

INNER ELBOW PAIN? LISTEN. Report pain on the elbow's inside Reduce painful swing repetitions Build forearm strength with guidance Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Report pain on the elbow's inside

Reduce painful swing repetitions

Build forearm strength with guidance

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Golf back pain prevention

BACK PAIN IS NOT A SWING CUE. Stop swings that provoke back pain Review technique with a qualified coach Build trunk strength gradually Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Stop swings that provoke back pain

Review technique with a qualified coach

Build trunk strength gradually

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Golf club warm-up progression

PROGRESS THROUGH YOUR WARM-UP. Begin with easy movement Start range shots with shorter clubs Build toward comfortable full swings Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Begin with easy movement

Start range shots with shorter clubs

Build toward comfortable full swings

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Golf repetition management

CONTROL THE RANGE VOLUME. Increase practice volume gradually Take breaks from repetitive swings Report recurring wrist or elbow pain Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Increase practice volume gradually

Take breaks from repetitive swings

Report recurring wrist or elbow pain

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Golf wrist injury warning

WRIST PAIN AFTER IMPACT?. Stop after a painful ground strike Report swelling or weak grip Get assessed before more swings Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Stop after a painful ground strike

Report swelling or weak grip

Get assessed before more swings

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Golf cart ankle protection

KEEP FEET INSIDE THE CART. Keep feet and arms inside Stay seated while the cart moves Wait for a complete stop Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Keep feet and arms inside

Stay seated while the cart moves

Wait for a complete stop

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Golf sun safety

SUN PROTECTION EVERY ROUND. Apply sunscreen as directed Wear a brimmed hat Use sunglasses with UV protection Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Apply sunscreen as directed

Wear a brimmed hat

Use sunglasses with UV protection

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Golf impact awareness

WATCH THE NEXT SWING. Check others before swinging Stay clear of another player's arc Wait until the landing area clears Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Check others before swinging

Stay clear of another player's arc

Wait until the landing area clears

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Golf hydration

HYDRATE ACROSS THE ROUND. Start the round well hydrated Drink during play and after Take cooling breaks in hot conditions Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Start the round well hydrated

Drink during play and after

Take cooling breaks in hot conditions

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Golf hand nerve symptoms

HAND NUMBNESS NEEDS A CHECK. Report tingling or numbness Stop gripping when symptoms increase Get assessed for persistent symptoms Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Report tingling or numbness

Stop gripping when symptoms increase

Get assessed for persistent symptoms

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Golf shoulder overload

DO NOT SWING THROUGH SHOULDER PAIN. Pause painful swings Report weakness or limited motion Follow a guided strengthening plan Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Pause painful swings

Report weakness or limited motion

Follow a guided strengthening plan

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Golf ankle safety

WALK THE COURSE WITH CARE. Watch uneven ground and slopes Wear stable appropriate footwear Report ankle pain or giving way Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Watch uneven ground and slopes

Wear stable appropriate footwear

Report ankle pain or giving way

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Golf return progression

REBUILD AFTER INJURY. Follow your clinician's return plan Start with tolerable practice demands Report symptoms before increasing swings Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Follow your clinician's return plan

Start with tolerable practice demands

Report symptoms before increasing swings

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Golf forearm conditioning

FOREARM STRENGTH FOR THE SWING. Use controlled resistance with guidance Build strength gradually Stop exercises that provoke pain Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.
Text and source

Use controlled resistance with guidance

Build strength gradually

Stop exercises that provoke pain

Stop and report symptoms to your athletic trainer.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Warm Up The Lift

WARM UP THE LIFT. Start with easy whole-body movement. Rehearse your lift with light resistance. Build toward working sets gradually. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
Text and source

Start with easy whole-body movement.

Rehearse your lift with light resistance.

Build toward working sets gradually.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Log Before You Load

LOG BEFORE YOU LOAD. Record resistance and repetitions. Change training demands gradually. Review progress with your coach. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
Text and source

Record resistance and repetitions.

Change training demands gradually.

Review progress with your coach.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Balance Your Strength Work

BALANCE YOUR STRENGTH WORK. Train all major muscle groups. Include pulling alongside pressing. Ask your coach about weak links. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
Text and source

Train all major muscle groups.

Include pulling alongside pressing.

Ask your coach about weak links.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Recovery Between Lifting Sessions

RECOVERY BETWEEN LIFTING SESSIONS. Give trained muscles recovery time. Alternate demanding sessions with lighter activity. Tell your coach about persistent soreness. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
Text and source

Give trained muscles recovery time.

Alternate demanding sessions with lighter activity.

Tell your coach about persistent soreness.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Fit The Machine To You

FIT THE MACHINE TO YOU. Ask staff to adjust your setup. Check seat and pad positions. Practice before adding resistance. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
Text and source

Ask staff to adjust your setup.

Check seat and pad positions.

Practice before adding resistance.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Do Not Chase A Painful Rep

DO NOT CHASE A PAINFUL REP. Stop the movement causing pain. Tell your coach what happened. Get persistent pain assessed. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Stop the movement causing pain.

Tell your coach what happened.

Get persistent pain assessed.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Lift After A Layoff

LIFT AFTER A LAYOFF. Restart with manageable resistance. Rebuild volume gradually. Recheck technique before heavy attempts. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Restart with manageable resistance.

Rebuild volume gradually.

Recheck technique before heavy attempts.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Supervision Builds Skill

SUPERVISION BUILDS SKILL. Learn new lifts with qualified instruction. Ask for feedback before adding load. Choose technique over peer pressure. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Learn new lifts with qualified instruction.

Ask for feedback before adding load.

Choose technique over peer pressure.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Train For More Than One Lift

TRAIN FOR MORE THAN ONE LIFT. Include strength and aerobic conditioning. Make room for mobility work. Build a balanced training plan. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Include strength and aerobic conditioning.

Make room for mobility work.

Build a balanced training plan.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Clear Floor. Safe Session.

CLEAR FLOOR. SAFE SESSION.. Return dumbbells to their rack. Keep bags outside lifting areas. Check your footing before each set. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Return dumbbells to their rack.

Keep bags outside lifting areas.

Check your footing before each set.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

NSCA

Wrap Before Bag Work

WRAP BEFORE BAG WORK. Learn hand wrapping from your coach. Use correctly sized wraps and gloves. Stop if fingers tingle or numb. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Learn hand wrapping from your coach.

Use correctly sized wraps and gloves.

Stop if fingers tingle or numb.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Mouthguard Before Contact

MOUTHGUARD BEFORE CONTACT. Use a properly fitted mouthguard. Check it for damage. Wear it during contact practice. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Use a properly fitted mouthguard.

Check it for damage.

Wear it during contact practice.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Fatigue Changes Technique

FATIGUE CHANGES TECHNIQUE. Notice when your guard drops. Take breaks before control deteriorates. Tell your coach you need recovery. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Notice when your guard drops.

Take breaks before control deteriorates.

Tell your coach you need recovery.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Learn Falls Before Throws

LEARN FALLS BEFORE THROWS. Practice under qualified supervision. Start with controlled basic drills. Use an appropriate padded surface. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Practice under qualified supervision.

Start with controlled basic drills.

Use an appropriate padded surface.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Respect The Tap

RESPECT THE TAP. Tap before pain escalates. Release immediately when your partner taps. Practice holds only with qualified supervision. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Tap before pain escalates.

Release immediately when your partner taps.

Practice holds only with qualified supervision.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Kicks Need Progression

KICKS NEED PROGRESSION. Warm up before kicking drills. Build height and speed gradually. Stay within controlled comfortable motion. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Warm up before kicking drills.

Build height and speed gradually.

Stay within controlled comfortable motion.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Check The Mat Space

CHECK THE MAT SPACE. Clear bags and loose equipment. Check padding before drills. Leave space between training pairs. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Clear bags and loose equipment.

Check padding before drills.

Leave space between training pairs.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Hand Pain After A Punch

HAND PAIN AFTER A PUNCH. Stop striking with the sore hand. Remove tight gear if swelling starts. Get swelling or deformity assessed. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Stop striking with the sore hand.

Remove tight gear if swelling starts.

Get swelling or deformity assessed.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Head Impact Danger Signs

HEAD IMPACT DANGER SIGNS. Watch for worsening headache or confusion. Repeated vomiting needs urgent attention. Call emergency services for danger signs. Stop activity. Report symptoms immediately.
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Watch for worsening headache or confusion.

Repeated vomiting needs urgent attention.

Call emergency services for danger signs.

Stop activity. Report symptoms immediately.

CDC HEADS UP

Condition Before Complex Drills

CONDITION BEFORE COMPLEX DRILLS. Build endurance before intense rounds. Strengthen with qualified guidance. Increase training demands gradually. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Build endurance before intense rounds.

Strengthen with qualified guidance.

Increase training demands gradually.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Return To The Mat With A Plan

RETURN TO THE MAT WITH A PLAN. Follow your clinician's recovery guidance. Rebuild noncontact skills first when cleared. Report symptoms as activity increases. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Follow your clinician's recovery guidance.

Rebuild noncontact skills first when cleared.

Report symptoms as activity increases.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Helmet Fit Before Miles

HELMET FIT BEFORE MILES. Wear your helmet level and snug. Fasten the chin strap securely. Keep your vision unobstructed. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Wear your helmet level and snug.

Fasten the chin strap securely.

Keep your vision unobstructed.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Be Visible After Dark

BE VISIBLE AFTER DARK. Use working front and rear lights. Wear bright reflective clothing. Check lights before leaving. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Use working front and rear lights.

Wear bright reflective clothing.

Check lights before leaving.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Watch The Door Zone

WATCH THE DOOR ZONE. Look for people inside parked cars. Leave room for opening doors. Choose a safer route when needed. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Look for people inside parked cars.

Leave room for opening doors.

Choose a safer route when needed.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Intersections Need Attention

INTERSECTIONS NEED ATTENTION. Slow down and scan for turning vehicles. Follow traffic signs and signals. Do not assume drivers see you. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Slow down and scan for turning vehicles.

Follow traffic signs and signals.

Do not assume drivers see you.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Signal Your Next Move

SIGNAL YOUR NEXT MOVE. Learn local cycling hand signals. Signal before turning when safe. Ride predictably with traffic. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Learn local cycling hand signals.

Signal before turning when safe.

Ride predictably with traffic.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Choose A Safer Route

CHOOSE A SAFER ROUTE. Prefer quieter streets and bike lanes. Avoid fast heavy traffic when possible. Plan your route before riding. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Prefer quieter streets and bike lanes.

Avoid fast heavy traffic when possible.

Plan your route before riding.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Group Rides Need Space

GROUP RIDES NEED SPACE. Ride predictably and communicate hazards. Avoid sudden swerves and braking. Follow local road and group rules. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Ride predictably and communicate hazards.

Avoid sudden swerves and braking.

Follow local road and group rules.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Bike Fit Is Individual

BIKE FIT IS INDIVIDUAL. Choose a frame that fits. Adjust saddle and handlebars with guidance. Report persistent riding discomfort. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Choose a frame that fits.

Adjust saddle and handlebars with guidance.

Report persistent riding discomfort.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Build Riding Distance Gradually

BUILD RIDING DISTANCE GRADUALLY. Start with manageable routes. Add distance and intensity gradually. Allow recovery between demanding rides. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Start with manageable routes.

Add distance and intensity gradually.

Allow recovery between demanding rides.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

After A Cycling Fall

AFTER A CYCLING FALL. Stop and move from danger if safe. Get painful swelling or deformity assessed. Do not ride through an injury. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Stop and move from danger if safe.

Get painful swelling or deformity assessed.

Do not ride through an injury.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo

Build Strength Off The Bike

BUILD STRENGTH OFF THE BIKE. Train major muscle groups. Include mobility and aerobic variety. Progress new exercises gradually. Stop for pain. Tell your coach.
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Train major muscle groups.

Include mobility and aerobic variety.

Progress new exercises gradually.

Stop for pain. Tell your coach.

AAOS OrthoInfo