More than 300,000 kids play Pop Warner football in America. Fortunately, football equipment for kids has never been better. The same companies who manufacture equipment for college and pro teams make equipment for kids.

Studies show that most youth football programs are relatively safe. Recently, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission examined athletic injuries on a sport-by-sport basis. It found that organized football among 5-to-15 year olds had 12 percent fewer injuries per capita than organized soccer for the same age group. Football also had 50 percent fewer injuries than bike riding and 74 percent fewer than skateboarding.

According to the Wenatchee Valley Neck Symposium, in the event of a suspected neck/spine injury, follow these general guidelines: A full evaluation should be performed. Check the ABC's (Airway, Breathing, Circulation). A certified athletic trainer or a designated and trained coach should perform this evaluation. If the athlete is conscious, the history of the injury and the present symptoms should be obtained from the athlete. If the athlete is unconscious from the injury, he must be treated as if he has a severe neck injury (especially if the injury involves head/neck trauma).

It is critically important that the football helmet or shoulder pads NOT be removed until a cervical fracture is ruled out. This assessment must be by a physician, EMS personnel or another medically trained person. If the athlete is lying face down or on his side, he should be turned as a unit (log roll). If there are no airway problems, coaches can wait for EMS personnel to perform the log roll procedure. However, all coaches must be familiar with the "log roll" in the event of an airway emergency. If there is any question about the well being of the athlete's cervical spine, emergency medical services (EMS) should be called.

"Kids do get hurt playing football," says Ed McEwen, Pop Warner Coach. "But if you put a kid in the right equipment, teach him the proper techniques, and play against kids who are the same age and weight, it's a pretty safe sport. In the end, what coaches have to remember about football at this age is that it's all about providing recreation for kids in a safe environment. The score doesn't matter."

The information on neck injury is condensed from the Wenatchee Valley Neck Injury Symposium.

Note: Although Pop Warner Football is the largest tackle football program in Bexar County, it is not the only tackle program. The North American Junior Independent Football Federation and the Texas Youth Football Association, both local programs, attract youth football players throughout the county. In addition, the Northeast YMCA plays tackle football. Many other organizations play flag football.

For more information about kid's sports in and around San Antonio, contact the Kids Sports Network (210) 654-4707 or visit their web site www.ksnusa.org