Baseball, soccer, football, gymnastics, swimming, basketball -- the opportunities for kids are continually increasing. And, like most parents, you want your child to take part if he or she is interested. But what sport? How many sports? How can you protect your child from injury?

With children, the risks - and potential consequences - of a sports injury are greater than for adults. According to data gathered by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are more than 3.5 million sports-related injuries in children under the age of 15 that are treated in emergency rooms, doctor's offices, and ambulatory surgery centers each year. Many of these injuries are relatively minor, but some can result in serious, even life-long medical problems.

Parents can help reduce the risk of injury to some extent, and authorities consider about one-half of sports-related injuries to be preventable. A cooperative effort, from parents, coaches, trainers, referees, and the child, is essential.