By Madison Keiger

The serious spinal injury suffered by Devon Gales in last Saturday’s UGA vs Southern University game has people wary about sports-related injuries.

These types of injuries, however, are not limited to college and professional athletes. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sports account for around 3.2 million visits to the emergency room per year for 5-14 year olds.

Additionally, contact sports – football, basketball, baseball and soccer – result in 80 percent of all sports-related emergency room visits.

Here are some simple ways to reduce the risk of injuries while on the field: