For student athletes, fall means another chance to get back on the field and play their favorite sport. It also means that while playing that sport, there’s a chance they might get injured.

The most common fall sports injuries are strains, sprains and less commonly, fractures, said Katherine Yulo, pediatrician and M.D. at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland in Pontiac. While coaches are trained on how to help student athletes prevent sports injuries, there are also steps parents and guardians can take to help reduce their child’s risk. Proper diet and hydration, as well as stretching and wearing the right gear, top the list.