(HealthDay News) -- You and your athletic child should keep some safety rules in mind before the game starts.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions to help keep kids safe:

• Make sure kids always wear protective gear that's appropriate for the game. Examples may include goggles, a helmet, mouth guard or knee pads.
• Make sure the gear is properly maintained.
• Try to ensure that the playing surface is in good shape.
• Kids' sports should always be carefully supervised by an adult.
• Make sure your child understands the rules and basics of the sport, and that the sport isn't too challenging for the child.