MANAGEMENT OF SPORTS INJURIES AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL ATHLETES IN NSUKKA LGA, ENUGU STATE

Abstract

The study was carried out to investigate the management of sports injuries among secondary schools athletes in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study while the instrument used for data collection was the questionnaire. The population comprised student athletes, games masters and sports council staff in the area. The sample size for the study was 242 respondents. A self developed Sports Injuries Management Questionnaire (SIMQ) was the instrument for data collection. The SIMQ was face-validated by three experts. Four research questions and two null hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance guided the study. The research questions were analyzed using percentage while chi-square was the statistical tool for testing the hypotheses. The results showed among others that: the causes of sport injuries among student athletes included insecurity at sports venues and inadequate sporting facilities were the major causes of sports injuries. The extent of treatment given to the injured athletes indicated majorly withdrawal from the field; athletes left to cater for themselves; immediate first aid and parents/guidance take care of their words. Problems militating against management of sports injuries were, but not limited to lack of adequate funding; inadequate equipment; poor medical personnel and poor training pitches. Some identified measures for improving management of sports injuries included making funds available. The two hypotheses were accepted.