1. Very young folks shouldn’t put extraordinary forces on their pricks and joints. Early gymnastics with enormous ranges of movement may give problems later.

2. If you’re hypermobile (extremely bendy or double jointed), think terribly fastidiously about taking part in contact sports.

Your joints are far more exposed to injury and your muscles less ready to control their movements to keep them safe from damage. I know somebody whose joints are so loose that dancing is a dangerous activity!

3. Select an activity to fit your physical type. Impact sports may not suit a high body weight, and a poorly coordinated person may not select a complicated contact sport. High level sport isn’t for everyone, irrespective of how much they need to take part.

4. If you get wounded, get a correct diagnosis from a qualified person and follow the treatment plan. Do not get tempted to return to the activity till you are fully recovered and have regained your fitness. Otherwise re-injury is likely.

5. If you’ve a serious (or repeated) injury to your spine or one of your joints, consider giving up the activity responsible and taking up another, more acceptable, pursuit.

6. Take the recommendation of a competent physical specialist if your problem continues.

7. Moderate level exercise, eg brisk walking, can offer you all of the health benefits without the injury hazards of more intense sports.

8. Consider whether to inspire youngsters strongly to be competitive in sports where they can get wounded.

9. Don’t simply start a new sport straight off, work up your fitness and collaboration till your physical condition and ability are sufficiently good to avoid injury. Be especially conscious of this at the times of the year when sports and other activities may start and you are least used to them. Ten. Remember that fitness is highly specific to the game you are used to. Do not expect your fitness to move to a totally different activity, or you can get muscle tenderness or injury. For each new activity, you have to start again with your fitness.